Crock Pot Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 2 cans kidney beans (Rinsed and drained)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 lb ground meat of choice (The creator uses a mixture of ground beef and sausage; season, brown, and drain before adding)
• 1 green bell pepper (Diced)
• 0.5 onion (Diced; the creator gives a range of one-half to one whole onion. Sautéing is optional but recommended by the creator)
• 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• salt (A big pinch, or to taste)
• black pepper (To taste; use your judgment)
• 1 cup beef broth (Optional; add unless you prefer very thick chili)
• shredded cheese (Optional topping)
• sour cream (Optional topping, or use your preferred chili topping)
• small pumpkin (Optional serving vessel; transfer the finished chili into it)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the pumpkin puree to the crock pot.

2. 2

   Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and the diced tomatoes.

3. 3

   Season the meat of your choice, then brown it and drain off the excess fat. The creator uses a mixture of ground beef and sausage.

4. 4

   Add the browned, drained meat to the crock pot.

5. 5

   Dice the green bell pepper and add it to the crock pot.

6. 6

   Dice one-half to one whole onion and add it. Sauté the pepper and onion first if desired, as the creator did.

7. 7

   Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

8. 8

   Mix everything in the crock pot thoroughly.

9. 9

   Add about 1 cup of beef broth if you do not want the chili to be very thick, then give it one final quick stir.

10. 10

    Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.

11. 11

    When the chili is ready, remove the lid and stir it once more.

12. 12

    Turn off the crock pot. Transfer some of the chili to a smaller pumpkin if using one as a serving vessel.

13. 13

    Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or your preferred chili toppings. Serve with a spoon.

Notes

The source does not specify the can sizes, the exact meat blend, or quantities for the optional toppings. The creator recommends sautéing the onion and bell pepper, but presents it as optional. A small pumpkin is an optional festive serving vessel, not a required ingredient.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooked
• crock-pot
• fall
• festive
• high-protein