Go Back
In the heart of autumn, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to celebrate the season's bounty. Harvest Pumpkin Chili offers a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes, featuring the creamy goodness of pumpkin puree and an array of wholesome ingredients. This dish is not only comforting and delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. In this article, we will explore the recipe in detail, discuss its health benefits, and delve into the seasonal ingredients that make this chili a standout dish.

Slow Cooker Chili with Pumpkin

Celebrate the flavors of fall with Harvest Pumpkin Chili, a comforting twist on traditional chili. This hearty dish combines the creamy goodness of pumpkin puree with ground meat, beans, and spices to create a nutritious and delicious meal. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it's easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream for an extra touch, and serve with cornbread or a fresh salad for the perfect autumn meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup beef (or vegetable) broth

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.

      Combine Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

        Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.

          Add Corn: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the corn. This will keep the corn's texture without overcooking it.

            Serve: Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 8 hrs | 6-8 servings