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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

This slow cooker pumpkin chili combines hearty ground meat, beans, and diced tomatoes with pumpkin puree and warm spices. The dish develops a thick, fragrant sauce with a rich, comforting texture, featuring a blend of sweet and savory flavors characteristic of fall. It is cooked slowly until flavors meld and the chili becomes thick and hearty.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey or use plant-based alternative
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon adds warm flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth for desired consistency

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Begin by browning the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and is cooked through. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  3. Add a can of diced tomatoes (with juices) on top of the meat, followed by draining and rinsing the black beans and adding them into the cooker.
  4. Spoon in the pumpkin puree, distributing it evenly over the mixture for a rich, velvety texture and a hint of sweetness.
  5. Sprinkle the cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and paprika over the ingredients, then stir gently to combine everything evenly without disturbing the layers too much.
  6. Pour in the broth to help loosen the mixture and achieve your preferred chili consistency, then season with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Let it cook gently for about 4 hours, until the flavors meld, and the chili thickens slightly with a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
  8. Once cooking is complete, open the lid and give the chili a good stir, checking that the ingredients are tender-rich and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if desired, then serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro or shredded cheese.

Notes

For extra depth, sauté the spices in a dry pan before adding to the slow cooker. Feel free to customize with veggies like diced bell peppers or corn. To reduce spice heat, customize the chili powder and cayenne accordingly.