Introduction
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to embrace the flavors of fall. This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Sweet Corn is a delightful twist on traditional chili that combines the richness of pumpkin with the sweetness of corn, creating a dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with seasonal goodness.
Perfect for those busy weekdays or when you’re hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe allows you to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy the aromas filling your home. Packed with protein from beans and plenty of veggies, this chili is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by simply omitting any cheese or yogurt toppings.
Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or looking to try something new, this delicious combination of spices and textures will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe that celebrates the best of autumn harvest!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (including juice)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to personal preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or sour cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
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- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender, around 5-7 minutes.
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- Move the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
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- Into the slow cooker, mix in the pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth.
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- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, along with salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients until thoroughly blended.
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- Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, enabling the flavors to deepen.
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- After cooking, stir the chili thoroughly before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
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- Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro or a scoop of sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 6 hrs 15 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 can (15 oz) of unsweetened pumpkin puree for a rich, autumnal flavor.
- Ground Meat: 1 lb of ground turkey or beef, or for a vegetarian option, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Beans: 1 can (15 oz) each of black beans and kidney beans, rinsed and drained for protein and fiber.
- Sweet Corn: 1 cup of fresh or frozen sweet corn for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Bell Peppers: 1-2 chopped bell peppers (any color) for freshness and crunch.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced for a savory base.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves of minced garlic to enhance flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained, for added juiciness.
- Pumpkin Spice: 1-2 tsp of pumpkin spice blend for warmth and seasonal flavor.
- Chili Powder: 2-3 tbsp of chili powder for heat and depth of flavor.
- Cumin: 1 tsp of ground cumin for a warm, earthy note.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 1 cup for a flavorful base.
Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to match your taste preferences!
Baking Process for Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Sweet Corn
While this dish primarily uses a slow cooker, you can enhance the flavors and textures with a few additional baking steps. Here’s how to incorporate baking into your process:
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips
Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the chili.
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Prepare the Chili Base:
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In the slow cooker, combine the pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
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Cook the Chili:
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Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Baking Cornbread Topping (Optional):
- If you’d like to add a delicious cornbread topping to your pumpkin chili, you can prepare a simple cornbread batter while the chili cooks.
- Combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of milk, and 1/3 cup of melted butter in a mixing bowl until just combined.
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Pour this batter into a greased baking dish or skillet and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Combine and Serve:
- Once the chili has finished cooking, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
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If you’ve made cornbread, serve the pumpkin chili hot with a piece of warm cornbread on the side, or crumble it on top for added texture.
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Add Toppings: Finish off your dish with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for an extra crunch.
Enjoy:
Savor the warmth and heartiness of your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Sweet Corn. The combination of spices and creamy pumpkin makes this dish comforting, while the cornbread adds a delightful twist. Enjoy the rich flavors and make it a meal to remember!
Serving Suggestions
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Toppings Galore: Enhance your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili experience by offering a variety of toppings. Try shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and jalapeño slices for a flavorful kick.
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Side Dishes: Pair your chili with crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing balance to the warm, spiced chili.
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Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with a side of tortilla chips or corn tortillas for dipping. This adds a satisfying crunch and makes for a fun, interactive meal.
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Rice or Quinoa: If you’re looking for something more filling, serve your pumpkin chili over a bed of cooked rice or fluffy quinoa. This adds substance and makes for a well-rounded plate.
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Beverage Pairings: A light beer, such as a lager, or a crisp white wine can complement the spice and sweetness of the chili beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving it with a chilled apple cider or sparkling water with a twist of lime.
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Meal Prep: This chili is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in individual portions to enjoy throughout the week for an easy, nutritious lunch or dinner.
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Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze them in airtight containers for a quick meal on busy days. Just reheat and enjoy the cozy flavors whenever you need a warm comfort food fix.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions are sure to elevate your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Sweet Corn experience!
Conclusion
Incorporating the flavors of fall into your meals doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili with Sweet Corn is the perfect testament to that! With its rich combination of spices, hearty beans, and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and corn, this dish perfectly embraces the cozy comfort of cooler weather.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a nutritious option that’s packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a great choice for the whole family. You can make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for a quick meal later on. Whether you top it with a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of fresh cilantro, this chili will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
So, gather your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. You’ll soon find yourself craving this delightful blend of flavors time and time again. Happy cooking!
