Imagine a chili that captures the essence of autumn but with an unexpected hint of sweetness. This crockpot pumpkin chili transforms humble ingredients into a cozy, sensory experience. The aroma of simmering spices mingling with roasted pumpkin fills your kitchen, turning it into a retreat from chilly days.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to balance savory heat with a gentle pumpkin sweetness, making every spoonful memorable. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something hearty yet with a surprising flavor twist. Plus, it effortlessly cooks all day, freeing you up for other seasonal joys.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- It’s a comforting bowl that brings back childhood memories of fall festivals.
- The sweet and smoky aroma makes every moment in the kitchen a celebration.
- The slow cooker makes prepping almost foolproof and frees your day.
- Healthy, filling, and packed with seasonal flavors—what’s not to love?
- I adore the way the pumpkin adds a velvety texture that beautifully balances the spice.
AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)
- FORGOT to oil the slow cooker? Spoiled outcome—stick a napkin under the lid next time.
- DUMPED too much cayenne? Chill with sour cream and add a splash of broth.
- OVER‑TORCHED the pumpkin? Scrape the burnt bits and add fresh cubes.
- FORGOT to stir? Burnt bottom, but a quick scrape and fresh stir saved the day.
QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY
- When bland, splash in a dash of chipotle or extra cumin for depth.
- Patch too thick with a little chicken broth until it shimmers again.
- Shield over-salted moments with a splash of apple cider or maple syrup.
- When rushed, add a can of black beans or corn for quick texture and sweetness.
- Smell that aroma? If not enough spice, stir in a pinch more paprika or chili powder.
As the days grow cooler, this pumpkin chili offers a cozy, flavorful escape from the ordinary. Its slow simmer unlocks a depth of spice and sweetness that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it beautifully celebrates the shift into a season full of harvest bounty and crisp air.
Nothing beats the scent of simmering chili filling your home, promising comfort after a busy day. With minimal effort, you get a dish that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly contemporary, perfect for autumn dinners or casual gatherings.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey optional for added protein
- 2 cups diced pumpkin or squash roasted or fresh
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped onion yellow or white onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, and then add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.1 lb ground beef or turkey
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon and cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.1 lb ground beef or turkey
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.1 lb ground beef or turkey
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced pumpkin, drained black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.1 lb ground beef or turkey
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let it simmer gently for 6-8 hours, or until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors meld into a thick, hearty chili.
- Once ready, give the chili a good stir, taste and adjust the salt or spices if needed. The chili should be thick, with the pumpkin contributing a soft, velvety texture and a beautiful seasonal color.
- Scoop the hot pumpkin chili into bowls, garnish if desired, and enjoy the comforting, flavor-packed dish that celebrates autumn’s harvest bounty.
Notes
This crockpot pumpkin chili is a reminder that simple ingredients can surprise us with the right combination. It’s a dish rooted in seasonal comfort, perfect for when you want something familiar yet full of new flavor. As the evening settles in, the comforting aroma makes it hard to wait before digging in.
Enjoy how each spoonful offers a cozy escape, blending spices with a subtly sweet pumpkin note. It’s the kind of meal that quietly celebrates the changing season while nourishing body and soul. All that’s left is to savor every warm, fragrant bite.
