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Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili – Best Tailgate Recipe

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This cozy slow cooker pumpkin chili is the ultimate tailgate recipe, featuring a secret ingredient that adds velvety richness without any pumpkin flavor. Set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth (optional, for thinner chili)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for color and crunch)

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Build the flavor: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir for about 1 minute until spices are toasted and fragrant.
  3. Layer in the slow cooker: Transfer meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and drained beans. Stir until well combined. If using, add beef broth and/or brown sugar now.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  5. Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust salt, heat, or other seasonings as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the meat and toasting the spices—they add essential flavor. If chili is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of broth. If too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes. Let chili rest on warm for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. For tailgates, start cooking at 7 AM for a 1 PM game.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chili, slow cooker chili, tailgate chili, fall chili, game day chili, easy chili recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/cozy-slow-cooker-pumpkin-chili-best-tailgate-recipe/