Name: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 29 oz can tomato sauce; 2 cups water; 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp pumpkin spice; 1½ tsp salt; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 orange bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 habanero pepper, minced (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Chili is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili offers a unique and delicious twist on the classic. The addition of pumpkin puree gives the chili a rich, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices. This recipe is simple to make and fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it simmers.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

Ground Beef (1 lb): The base for this hearty chili.
Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): You can use canned or fresh.
Tomato Sauce (29 oz can): This provides a rich, tomato base.
Water (2 cups): Used to achieve the perfect consistency.
Chili Powder (2 tbsp): It gives the chili its classic flavor.
Pumpkin Spice (2 tsp): This adds a warm, seasonal aroma.
Salt (1½ tsp): An essential seasoning for the chili.
Yellow Onion (1): This should be diced.
Red Bell Pepper (1): You should dice this.
Orange Bell Pepper (1): This should also be diced.
Garlic Cloves (2): These should be minced.
Habanero Pepper (1): This is optional, but it adds a spicy kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Making this chili is a breeze. The stove-top prep work is quick, and then the slow cooker handles the rest.

Preparing the Meat

First, brown the ground beef on the stovetop in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. As the meat cooks, you should crumble it with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Once the meat is browned, drain any fat. Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking the Pumpkin Chili

Next, add the pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, pumpkin spice, salt, diced yellow onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. If you want a spicy chili, add the minced habanero pepper as well. Stir all of the ingredients together until they are well combined. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours. When the cooking time is up, you should give the chili a good stir before serving. Top it with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Spiciness: The habanero pepper adds a significant amount of heat. You can use less, or omit it completely, depending on your preference.
Pumpkin Type: Both canned pumpkin puree and fresh-made puree work well in this recipe.
Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works best in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. This ensures you have plenty of room for all of the ingredients.
Toppings: Consider serving this chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili is a wonderful dish for the fall season. It offers a fresh and flavorful take on a classic comfort food. The combination of rich pumpkin and classic chili spices creates a warm and satisfying meal you will want to make all season long.