Description
Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with this incredibly easy and satisfying pumpkin chili. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, blending hearty ingredients with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin for a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. This chili is perfect for a chilly evening, a casual get-together, or simply when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin puree
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Gently brown lean ground beef with a diced yellow onion in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, then drain any excess fat and place the mixture into your slow cooker.
Add minced garlic, pumpkin puree, rinsed and drained black beans, rinsed and drained kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Season the contents with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together until well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and allow it to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Serve this delicious chili in bowls, perhaps garnished with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Notes
Browning the beef and onions first not only adds a deeper flavor but also helps to render out some of the fat, resulting in a cleaner tasting chili.
Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent your chili from being too greasy.
Rinsing and draining canned beans helps to remove excess sodium and the “canned” flavor, allowing the chili’s spices to shine.
Make sure to stir everything together well in the slow cooker to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and all ingredients are coated in the flavorful liquid.
Towards the end of the cooking time, it’s a good idea to give your chili a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more chili powder.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American