
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili: A Fall Favorite
Fall is the perfect time for cozy, comforting meals, and nothing says fall quite like pumpkin! This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the season. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Imagine coming home to the aroma of warm spices and hearty chili after a long day – pure bliss!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work! Just dump the ingredients in, set the timer, and forget about it.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein from the turkey, fiber from the beans and vegetables, and vitamins from the pumpkin, this chili is a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Fall Flavors:** The combination of pumpkin, chili spices, and turkey creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for autumn.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences. Add more spice, use different beans, or swap the turkey for ground beef or chicken.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals later.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This chili is always a hit at potlucks, game day gatherings, or family dinners.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili:
* **Ground Turkey:** 2 pounds, lean (93% or higher) ground turkey is recommended to minimize grease. You can also use ground chicken or beef if preferred.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped. Any color bell pepper will do; red, green, or yellow all add a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Canned Pumpkin Puree:** 1 (15-ounce) can, unsweetened. Make sure you’re using pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that you don’t want in your chili.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can, undrained. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor.
* **Canned Kidney Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. You can substitute with other types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Canned Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Provides a different texture and flavor contrast to the kidney beans.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. This is the base of your chili spice. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons. Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the smoky notes of the chili.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon, dried. Adds a savory herbal note.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). For a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder chili.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (for browning the turkey).
**Optional Toppings:**
* Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Chopped Green Onions or Chives
* Avocado, diced
* Tortilla Chips or Cornbread
* Cilantro, chopped
* Hot Sauce
## Equipment
* Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
* Large Skillet
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Can Opener
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili:
**Step 1: Brown the Turkey**
This step is crucial for developing flavor. Browning the turkey adds a rich, savory depth to the chili. Don’t skip it!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This helps to prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
Sautéing the onion and bell pepper before adding them to the slow cooker helps to soften them and release their flavors.
1. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned turkey.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
1. Transfer the browned turkey and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
2. Add the canned pumpkin puree, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (drained and rinsed), black beans (drained and rinsed), tomato paste, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
**Step 4: Slow Cook the Chili**
This is where the magic happens! The slow cooker will gently simmer the chili, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, complex taste.
1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it will be. However, be careful not to overcook it, as the beans can become mushy.
**Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
Once the chili is cooked, it’s important to taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
1. Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, if needed, to achieve your desired flavor.
2. If the chili is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can cook it for a little longer with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Now it’s time to serve your delicious slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili.
1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.
2. Serve with cornbread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.
## Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chili, such as corn, zucchini, or carrots. These can be added along with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this chili vegetarian, omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans or lentils.
* **Use Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans.
* **Add Chocolate:** For a unique and unexpected flavor, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or a few squares of dark chocolate to the chili during the last hour of cooking.
* **Use Fresh Pumpkin:** If you prefer, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. To make your own pumpkin puree, roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth.
* **Make it Ahead:** This chili is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop even more as it sits.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
## Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings.
* **Cornbread:** A classic chili accompaniment. Serve warm with butter or honey.
* **Tortilla Chips:** Perfect for scooping up the chili and adding a crunchy texture.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all great choices.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a creamy tanginess to the chili.
* **Chopped Green Onions or Chives:** Adds a fresh, oniony flavor.
* **Avocado:** Diced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little extra heat.
* **Cilantro:** Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavor of the chili.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Serving Size: 1 cup*
* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 10-12g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili is the perfect fall comfort food. It’s easy to make, healthy, and incredibly delicious. The combination of pumpkin, turkey, and chili spices creates a warm and inviting flavor that’s perfect for cozy evenings. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and enjoy this delightful autumn treat!
Enjoy this recipe and happy cooking!