Pumpkin Chili Recipe
This hearty Pumpkin Chili is a comforting and nutritious twist on classic chili, combining ground turkey or beef with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for chilly days, this dish is easy to prepare and slow-cooked for deep, satisfying flavors.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low setting) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker high setting)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the crockpot. Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking melds the flavors, resulting in rich and tender chili.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, taste the chili and add salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or side dishes.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Use vegetable broth to make the recipe fully vegetarian if using plant-based meat alternatives.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and heat.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Consider serving with cornbread, shredded cheese, or sour cream for added indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pumpkin chili, slow cooker chili, healthy chili recipe, ground turkey chili, fall recipes, easy chili