As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, I find myself craving a comforting bowl that combines the smoky warmth of chili with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. This Slow Cooker Fall Chili with Pumpkin is my quiet celebration of the season, simmered to perfection while I go about my day. The pumpkin not only adds a vibrant orange hue but also lends a lush, velvety texture that elevates the hearty beans and spices.
This recipe is inspired by the cozy chaos of autumn days, when time feels both fleeting and plentiful. It’s a dish that invites slow moments with family, a perfect way to embrace the season’s flavors without fuss. The aroma alone transforms any space into a fall sanctuary with hints of cumin, cinnamon, and roasted pumpkin filling the air.
Slow Cooker Fall Chili with Pumpkin
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the onion into small pieces and set aside. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aroma.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until it releases a fragrant aroma but doesn’t burn.
- Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and roasted pumpkin chunks.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt, then stir everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let the chili simmer gently for about 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the pumpkin to soften further.
- Once cooking is complete, open the lid and give the chili a gentle stir. The mixture should be thickened and fragrant, with the pumpkin adding a velvety texture.
- Ladle the warm, hearty chili into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
This chili isn’t just for chilly days; it’s a reminder to find joy in simple, seasonal ingredients. The slow cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking, letting the flavors meld into a comforting, rich feast. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling warm inside and out, on quiet evenings or busy weekends.
With just a few ingredients and a effortless prep, this dish celebrates everything I love about fall — from the earthy pumpkin to the slow-simmered spices. It’s a dish I’ll be making every autumn, a true harvest in a bowl that’s easy to love and impossible to forget.
