Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili is made by simmering a mixture of ground meat, diced pumpkin, beans, and spices in a slow cooker, resulting in a thick, hearty stew with a velvety texture and a balanced combination of savory heat and subtle sweetness. The dish develops a rich aroma as the ingredients meld over several hours, culminating in a flavorful, chock-full-of-seasonal bounty meal.
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
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase beans or add extra vegetables. Adjust spices to taste for more heat or smokiness.