Easy Pumpkin Chili Crockpot
Hi, we’re Miles and Emma, a husband-and-wife cooking duo from just outside Columbus, Ohio. When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to crunch under our boots, there’s nothing we crave more than a hearty bowl of chili. This Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is our go-to fall comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and has that subtle pumpkin sweetness that makes every spoonful taste like autumn. What we love most is that it’s simple: toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer into a rich, flavorful soup. If you’re looking for healthy fall crockpot soups or an easy pumpkin chili crockpot recipe, this one’s a keeper.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | Fall |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect fall flavors: Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice add warmth and depth to the chili, making it taste like autumn in a bowl.
- Hands-off cooking: Once you brown the turkey and onions, the slow cooker does all the work, which makes it great for busy days.
- Nutritious and filling: Packed with protein from turkey and fiber from beans, this chili keeps you full without feeling heavy.
- Versatile and adaptable: Easily swap turkey for chicken or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling the beans.
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Cozy Crockpot Pumpkin Chili
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The perfect fall crockpot recipe! This cozy Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is simple, flavorful, and filled with the warmth of pumpkin and spices.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and onion, cook until crumbly and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer turkey and onions to the slow cooker.
3. Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili beans, black beans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
5. Serve warm with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and add extra beans or lentils.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Make ahead: Flavors get even better the next day!
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredients
- 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
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Use extra virgin for richer flavor, but any olive oil works. |
| Ground turkey | Lean turkey keeps the chili lighter, but you can swap with chicken or beef. |
| Onion | Yellow or white onions work best for a mild sweetness. |
| Diced tomatoes | Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky kick. |
| Pumpkin puree | Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. |
| Chili beans | Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. |
| Black beans | Rinse well if using canned to reduce sodium. |
| Brown sugar | Light brown sugar balances acidity with a hint of molasses. |
| Pumpkin pie spice | Homemade blends with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add great depth. |
| Chili powder | Adjust quantity for more or less heat. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the turkey and onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and chopped onion, cooking until the turkey is crumbly and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer to crockpot: Add the cooked turkey and onions to your slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chili beans, black beans, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder. Mix well so everything is evenly combined.
- Set and forget: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for 3 hours, letting the flavors meld into a hearty chili.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve warm, with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- If you prefer thicker chili, reduce liquid by draining tomatoes slightly before adding.
- Taste and adjust seasonings after cooking, since flavors deepen as it simmers.
- Double the batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Toast spices first: Quickly toasting chili powder and pumpkin pie spice in the skillet enhances flavor.
- Balance sweetness: If the chili tastes too sweet, add a splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Layer flavors: Fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika add complexity.
- Low and slow: Cooking on low instead of high gives a richer, deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit turkey and add an extra can of beans or lentils for protein.
- Chicken pumpkin chili crockpot: Substitute chicken breast or thighs for turkey for a lean twist.
- Spicy pumpkin chili: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra chili powder for heat lovers.
- Sweet and savory blend: Stir in corn kernels or bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This chili stores beautifully. You can make it a day in advance and refrigerate, as the flavors get even better overnight. For freezing, let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Warm up your table with a bowl of Cheesy One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crockpot pumpkin chili in deep bowls, topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions. Cornbread or crusty bread makes the perfect sidekick for dipping. For a fall party, serve it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive touch.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp apple cider, a light red wine like Pinot Noir, or a pumpkin ale for a seasonal treat. On the side, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad balance the hearty flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For reheating, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, but low heat gives better flavor.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely. Roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a homemade touch, though it adds more prep time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and add extra beans or lentils.
What toppings go best with pumpkin chili?
Cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, and tortilla chips are all delicious.
How spicy is this chili?
It’s mild as written, but you can increase chili powder or add hot peppers to turn up the heat.
Can I use beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef works well, though it makes the chili a bit richer.
Does pumpkin make the chili sweet?
Pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and creaminess, but the spices and chili powder balance it out.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Pumpkin Chili is the perfect way to welcome fall into your kitchen. With simple ingredients, cozy spices, and the ease of a slow cooker, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to all season long. Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a bowl of autumn comfort.
