Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

The Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is the perfect fall recipe for cozy nights. This hearty dish brings together rich flavors and warm spices, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients from pumpkin and beans. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of pumpkin puree, spices, and beans creates a hearty and comforting dish that warms your soul.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or served as an appetizer at parties, this chili fits any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! Let your crockpot do all the work while you go about your day.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Pumpkin Chili, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for slowly simmering your chili, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning the turkey and onions before adding them to the crockpot for extra flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise measurements for balanced flavors in your chili.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion (chopped)

For the Chili

• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (canned)
• 15 oz. pumpkin puree (canned)
• 15 oz. chili beans (canned)
• 15 oz. black beans (canned or home cooked)

For Flavoring

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder

How to Make Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Cook the Turkey and Onions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Once oil is hot, add ground turkey and chopped onion.
3. Cook until ground turkey is crumbly and no longer pink; drain excess fat.

Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot

1. Transfer cooked turkey and onions to a slow cooker.
2. Stir in all remaining ingredients including diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili beans, black beans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder.
3. Set your crock pot to low heat setting.
4. Cover and cook for 3 hours.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Crockpot Pumpkin Chili with your favorite toppings like avocado or cornbread!

How to Serve Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms you up on chilly days. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy your chili with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. It adds a delightful texture and helps soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Avocado

• Add fresh avocado slices on top of your chili for a creamy contrast that balances the spices beautifully.

With Sour Cream or Yogurt

• A dollop of sour cream or plant-based yogurt adds a cool, creamy element that complements the chili’s warmth.

Served Over Rice

• Spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy rice. This makes it more filling and adds an extra layer of flavor.

With Cornbread Muffins

• Pairing with cornbread muffins brings a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with the spiced chili.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh finish that brightens the overall dish.

How to Perfect Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

To make your Crockpot Pumpkin Chili even better, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality canned goods enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go and tweak the spice levels according to your preference for heat.
• Let it simmer longer: For even deeper flavors, let the chili cook on low for longer than three hours if time allows.
• Add variety: Experiment by incorporating other beans or vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for later use.
• Reheat gently: When reheating, do so slowly on low heat to maintain the texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast to the soft chili.
2. Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides freshness and balances out the richness of the chili.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness and flavor variety.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a delightful sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy chili.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer additional crunch and are great for dipping into the chili.
6. Cheese Quesadillas: Melted cheese in quesadillas provides a cheesy companion that is always satisfying.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes enhances the flavors of the pumpkin chili.
8. Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness and add a pop of acidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Pumpkin Chili, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not browning the turkey: Failing to brown the ground turkey before adding it to the crockpot can lead to a less developed flavor. Always cook it until crumbly and no longer pink.
• Ignoring spice measurements: Overdoing or underdoing spices can throw off the balance of your chili. Measure carefully, especially with pumpkin pie spice and chili powder.
• Using low-quality canned goods: Poor-quality tomatoes or beans can diminish the taste of your chili. Opt for high-quality canned products for the best results.
• Skipping the simmer time: Not allowing enough time for the flavors to meld can result in flat-tasting chili. Aim for at least three hours on low heat.
• Neglecting toppings: Forgetting toppings like avocado or sour cream can miss adding texture and additional flavor. Don’t skip this important step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Pumpkin Chili:

Can I make Crockpot Pumpkin Chili vegan?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or mushrooms. Just ensure all other ingredients are also plant-based.

How spicy is this Crockpot Pumpkin Chili?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and adjust according to your taste.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with my Crockpot Pumpkin Chili?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is a delightful recipe perfect for cozy evenings. Its rich flavors and warm spices make it an ideal fall dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite beans or veggies to suit your taste! Try it out today!

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Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is the ultimate comfort dish for autumn evenings. This scrumptious recipe combines the earthiness of pumpkin and hearty beans with a delightful mix of spices, creating a warm, filling meal that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s not only easy to prepare but also nutritious, offering protein and fiber without compromising on taste. Simply set it and let your slow cooker do all the work while you savor the cozy aromas wafting through your kitchen. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this chili is bound to become a seasonal favorite!

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (canned)
• 15 oz. pumpkin puree (canned)
• 15 oz. chili beans (canned)
• 15 oz. black beans (canned or home cooked)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and chopped onion; cook until turkey is crumbly and no longer pink.
2. Transfer the cooked turkey and onions to a slow cooker. Stir in diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili beans, black beans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder.
3. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cover; cook for approximately 3 hours.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg