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Easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili: Best Family Recipe

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This cozy slow cooker pumpkin chili is hearty, budget-friendly, and picky eater approved. The pumpkin adds creaminess without overpowering flavor, making it a comforting twist on classic chili that simmers all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper)
  • 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  • For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips or cornbread

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Push meat to one side, add diced onion, and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir together.
  3. Transfer to slow cooker: Spoon meat and onion mixture into a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
  4. Add the pumpkin: Scoop in pumpkin puree and stir to incorporate with the meat.
  5. Add tomatoes and beans: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, and drained cannellini beans. Stir well.
  6. Season: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Stir thoroughly.
  7. Add broth: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and stir once more.
  8. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
  9. Adjust seasoning: About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt, cumin, or heat as desired.
  10. Serve: Ladle into bowls and let everyone customize with toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the meat for best flavor. Toast spices in the hot skillet for 30 seconds before adding to deepen flavor. Layer denser ingredients on bottom, pumpkin on top. Use low-sodium canned goods and add salt at the end. Chili tastes even better the next day. For stovetop version, simmer covered on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pumpkin chili, easy chili recipe, pumpkin chili, fall chili, family dinner, comfort food, budget-friendly chili

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-slow-cooker-pumpkin-chili-best-family-recipe/