If you’re looking for a dish that embodies the cozy essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have the time to stand over the stove. Plus, it makes an excellent addition to family gatherings or game day festivities. The wonderful blend of spices and the creaminess of pumpkin will have everyone asking for seconds!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple and delightful it is. You can toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, and let’s get started on this comforting Crockpot Pumpkin Chili!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it simmer. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and hearty ingredients, everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this chili.
Make Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and have leftovers for days.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and pumpkin creates a unique taste that will warm your heart.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with beans and pumpkin, this dish is not only delicious but also good for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Pumpkin Chili uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. Gather these up, and you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious meal!

For the Chili

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, try using ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Go vegan: Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based meat or more beans, making it suitable for vegans.

How to Make Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Cook the Turkey

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your ground turkey along with the chopped onion. Sauté them together until the turkey is crumbly and no longer pink—this step helps infuse flavor into your meat while softening the onions’ sweetness.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Once your turkey and onions are cooked through, transfer them into your slow cooker. Now it’s time to stir in all those delightful remaining ingredients—diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili beans, black beans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder. Give everything a good mix so all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Set your crockpot to low heat and cover it up tight! Let it cook for about 3 hours. This slow cooking allows all the ingredients to soften and develop rich flavors that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

And there you have it—a simple yet hearty Crockpot Pumpkin Chili that’s sure to become a new favorite! Enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

When it comes to perfecting your Crockpot Pumpkin Chili, a few extra touches can elevate the flavor and texture, making your meal even more delightful!

Brown the Turkey First: Cooking the ground turkey with onions beforehand adds depth to the flavor, as it caramelizes and brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh spices whenever possible. They enhance the overall profile of the chili, giving it a vibrant taste that dried spices might not offer.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the chili powder and pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preferences. This way, you can control how spicy or sweet you want your dish to be!
Add Extra Veggies: Consider tossing in additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and texture. They can complement the pumpkin beautifully!
Let It Sit: After cooking, allow the chili to sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious bowl.

How to Serve Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

Serving your Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is just as important as making it! With some thoughtful presentation and complementary sides, you can turn a simple dish into an incredible dining experience.

Garnishes

Enhance your chili with these tasty garnishes that add both flavor and visual appeal:

Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that brightens up each spoonful.
Sour Cream Alternative: A dollop of plant-based yogurt provides creaminess that balances the spiciness of the chili.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions offer a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch on top of each serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing your chili with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili goodness.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chili.
Quinoa: This protein-packed grain is an excellent side option that adds texture and health benefits.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping into your pumpkin chili and add an enjoyable crunch with every bite.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Crockpot Pumpkin Chili that’s perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it for later, making your weeknights easier.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Let the chili cool completely before freezing.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated evenly.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I make this Crockpot Pumpkin Chili vegan?

Absolutely! Just substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a hearty vegan version.

How long does Crockpot Pumpkin Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this Crockpot Pumpkin Chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it throughout the week!

Can I add more veggies to my Crockpot Pumpkin Chili?

Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and throw them in with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Crockpot Pumpkin Chili as I am! It’s such a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out and brings a taste of fall right into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it during a chilly evening at home or share it with friends at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!