Slow Cooker Fall Pumpkin Chili
This slow cooker fall pumpkin chili is a hearty stew featuring tender pumpkin chunks, beans, and ground meat, simmered with warming spices until rich and flavorful. The dish has a thick, comforting texture with a vibrant orange hue and a fragrant aroma from cinnamon, paprika, and seasonings. It offers a cozy, satisfying bowl perfect for chilly autumn days.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef or vegetarian substitute
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced pumpkin fresh or canned
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma as you prepare the base.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until it’s no longer pink and begins to develop a slight caramelization, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Transfer the cooked meat to your slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced pumpkin, drained beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, paprika, cinnamon, and chili powder.
- Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let it simmer gently for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pumpkin to become tender.
- After cooking, open the lid and give the chili a good stir. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Scoop the hearty chili into bowls, revealing the chunky pieces of pumpkin, beans, and tender meat, all coated in a fragrant, spiced sauce.
- Enjoy this comforting dish garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add a splash of lime or honey to customize the flavor. For added richness, top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese.