Warm up your soul with this incredibly flavorful Pumpkin Chili recipe, slow-cooked to perfection throughout the day. Infused with the rich essence of pumpkin and a delicate blend of autumn spices, including a hint of cinnamon, this dish brings the quintessential tastes of fall directly to your dinner table. It’s the ultimate hassle-free meal for even your busiest weeknights!

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Cozy Comfort: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Fall

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili, especially when the crisp air of autumn sets in. While traditional chili recipes hold a special place in our hearts – like our ever-popular Crock Pot Chili – this unique pumpkin rendition offers an exciting twist that’s both comforting and undeniably seasonal. Imagine the rich, savory depth of classic chili elevated by the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a warm embrace of aromatic spices. It’s truly a game-changer for your fall recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Chili

For many, pumpkin is synonymous with sweet treats – pies, lattes, and desserts galore. However, as a true enthusiast of all things squash, I believe pumpkin truly shines in savory applications. This slow cooker pumpkin chili recipe is a testament to that versatility, proving that pumpkin can add incredible richness and a subtle, delightful sweetness to a robust, savory dish.

This recipe consistently delivers. It’s wonderfully straightforward to prepare, making it a dream for those hectic weeknights when time is short but you crave a homemade, satisfying meal. Beyond its convenience, this chili offers a unique flavor profile that stands apart from your usual chili. The pumpkin seamlessly integrates, contributing a creamy texture and an intriguing depth that you won’t find in a standard recipe. Paired with a carefully balanced array of spices, each spoonful evokes the cozy, inviting essence of autumn. It’s more than just a meal; it’s fall in a bowl, ready to warm you from the inside out.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

The slow cooker is an invaluable tool for busy households, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavored meal with minimal effort. For chili, this method is particularly effective. The long, gentle cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more complex and harmonious taste. Meats become incredibly tender, and the spices infuse every component, resulting in a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day – because it has! It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you home with an irresistible aroma, promising comfort and deliciousness.

How to Craft Your Delicious Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Making this pumpkin chili couldn’t be simpler! With just a few minutes of active preparation, your slow cooker handles the rest, allowing you to go about your day while a comforting meal simmers to perfection.

Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and flavorful slow cooker pumpkin chili:

1. **Brown the Beef and Veggies:** Begin by browning your ground beef in a medium sauté pan. Once cooked through, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté them until they soften and become translucent. This initial step is crucial for building a foundational layer of flavor for your chili. If there’s any excess fat from the beef, be sure to drain it off after cooking.
2. **Combine in the Slow Cooker:** Transfer the browned ground beef mixture into a large slow cooker. Then, add all the remaining ingredients: black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors are well combined. A 6-quart slow cooker, similar to this model, offers ample space for this recipe.
3. **Set and Forget:** Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook the chili on a low setting for 7-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a rush, cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low often results in a richer, more deeply developed flavor.
4. **Serve with Your Favorites:** Once the chili is cooked, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot. This pumpkin chili is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with an array of your favorite chili toppings.

Expert Tips and Delightful Variations for Your Pumpkin Chili

This slow cooker pumpkin chili is already fantastic, but these tips and tricks will help you customize it to your liking and make it even better!

• **Lighten it Up:** This chili is naturally quite wholesome, but if you’re looking to reduce calories further, feel free to substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey. It will still provide a robust flavor and satisfying texture.
• **Achieve Your Desired Consistency:** This recipe typically yields a wonderfully thick and hearty chili. However, if you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add a splash of beef broth or extra tomato sauce during the last hour of cooking until it reaches your desired texture.
• **Master the Cinnamon Hint:** The subtle hint of cinnamon is what truly elevates this pumpkin chili, infusing it with a warm, autumnal character. However, if you’re new to savory cinnamon or are concerned about the flavor being too pronounced, start with just 1/4 teaspoon instead of 1/2 teaspoon. You can always add a little more after tasting.
• **Spice it Up:** For those who crave a bit more heat, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of chili powder. I personally love a good spicy kick, so I often add extra chili powder and a few more dashes of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of warmth.
• **The Flavor Deepens with Time:** Like many great chilis, this pumpkin version tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex dish. This makes it an ideal meal for entertaining or for nights when family members might be eating at different times – it stays warm and delicious, ready for anyone to grab a bowl.
• **Top it Off Right:** The right toppings can transform your chili experience. My personal favorites include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy diced avocados, and crunchy tortilla strips. But the beauty of chili is its adaptability – feel free to use any toppings you would normally enjoy with your classic chili!
• **Fantastic for Leftovers and Freezing:** This chili makes incredible leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner. It also freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for another comforting meal.

More Comforting Chili Creations to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this unique pumpkin chili, you might love exploring some of our other beloved chili recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences:

• Hearty Butternut Squash Chili with Beef: Another fantastic way to incorporate fall squash into a savory chili.
• Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili: A lighter, yet incredibly flavorful, chili option.
• Classic Flatlander Chili: A traditional favorite, perfect for a chilly evening.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Chili: For those who love the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a comforting chili.
• Lean White Turkey Chili: A healthier twist on white chili, packed with flavor.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe Card

Pumpkin Chili

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 5 voters.

• Author: Deborah Harroun
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American

Cooked in the slow cooker all day, this Pumpkin Chili recipe brings the flavors of fall to your table by adding in pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon and spices. It is the perfect dinner for a busy night!

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 15.25 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (homemade or canned)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Few drops of hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium sauté pan, brown the ground beef. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook until the onions are translucent.
2. Pour the ground beef mixture into a slow cooker. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or tortilla strips.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline. Nutritional counts do not include any toppings.

Nutrition Information

• Serving: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 265 kcal (13%)
• Carbohydrates: 33g (11%)
• Protein: 20g (40%)
• Fat: 6g (9%)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg (12%)
• Sodium: 667mg (29%)
• Fiber: 12g (50%)
• Sugar: 8g (9%)

Keywords: pumpkin chili, pumpkin chili recipe, slow cooker pumpkin chili, fall chili, easy chili, savory pumpkin

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