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Pumpkin Chili

This pumpkin chili is a hearty stew that combines tender cubes of pumpkin with spicy beans, ground meat, and aromatic spices. It is slow-cooked until the ingredients meld into a thick, flavorful broth with a velvety texture and vibrant autumnal color.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey or plant-based alternative
  • 1 cup diced pumpkin fresh or frozen
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes fire-roasted preferred
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, listening for a gentle sizzle.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it releases a rich aroma. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  4. Stir in the diced pumpkin, drained black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine the spices evenly distributed.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low. Let the chili simmer gently for about 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pumpkin to soften into a velvety, thick mixture.
  6. Once cooked, open the lid and give the chili a gentle stir. Adjust seasoning if needed, and let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to settle and thicken further.