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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

This pumpkin chili is a hearty stew made with chunks of pumpkin, beans, and spices, cooked slowly to develop rich, layered flavors. The final dish has a thick, comforting texture with a vibrant orange hue and a savory, spicy aroma, perfect for fall evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground sausage optional, for added richness
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree or mashed cooked pumpkin
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes 14.5 oz each, with juices
  • 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic, then set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Add a splash of oil to the skillet and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, and transfer to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes with their juices, drained beans, and vegetable broth into the slow cooker with the sausage and onions.
  5. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and chili powder over the mixture, then stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
  7. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed, stirring to combine.
  8. Once ready, ladle the hot chili into bowls, revealing a thick, hearty stew with a rich orange hue and a fragrant, spicy aroma.

Notes

Feel free to customize with other beans or add a splash of lime juice before serving for extra brightness.