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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Chipotle

This pumpkin chili is made by slow cooking a hearty blend of pumpkin, ground meat, roasted peppers, and smoky chipotle peppers, resulting in a thick, flavorful stew. The dish has a rich, tender texture with a vibrant, rustic appearance, showcasing an inviting orange hue and stewy consistency.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey or other ground meat
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
  • 1 red bell pepper roasted red pepper chopped
  • 1 can (4oz) chipotle peppers in adobo diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Stirring Spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  3. Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. Stir in the pumpkin puree, roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, and broth. Mix everything until well combined.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let the chili simmer slowly for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
  5. After cooking, taste the chili and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or additional chopped chipotle peppers if you prefer more heat. Stir well to incorporate adjustments.
  6. Serve the pumpkin chili hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy the hearty, smoky flavors with a side of crusty bread or over rice.

Notes

For a thicker chili, uncover and simmer on high for an additional 15 minutes. To add more smoky depth, sprinkle with smoked paprika just before serving.