EASY Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili is packed full of pumpkin, ground turkey, beans, vegetables and Mexican spices. This healthy, hearty chili is perfect for chilly fall and winter nights. Serve this pumpkin chili with cornbread or tortilla chips and your favorite toppings. And be sure to keep this recipe in mind for a football watch party, game night, or office potluck!
In this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili recipe we have the usual chili ingredients, but then we’re adding in pumpkin! Pumpkin works so well in chili recipes because it adds a wonderful creaminess and a very subtle sweet, earthy undertone that takes this recipe to a whole new level of delicious. As an added plus, pumpkin is full of a wide variety of nutrients and is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. It’s an amazing way to make your dinner or pumpkin brownies more healthy and better for you. Who doesn’t want that?
Now I know what you might be thinking… “Mexican” and “Pumpkin” don’t usually go together, but in this recipe they combine beautifully for an absolutely wonderful flavor.
You’re going to love this pumpkin chili! It’s one of our favorite Fall Slow Cooker Meals!
Ingredients in Pumpkin Chili
I love beans in my chili, so I decided to add both black beans and kidney beans. Also, I love using ground turkey for chili as a healthy alternative to ground beef.
So what makes this chili Mexican? Well, we’re going to spice it up with green chiles, salsa verde, cumin and we’re adding in corn! For serving this chili, I love to top it with avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and fresh cilantro!
How To Make Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili recipe is so easy to make and only takes 5 hours in your slow cooker! First, you’ll want to brown the ground turkey in a skillet with the peppers before throwing it in the crockpot. The turkey needs to be cooked before it goes into the slow cooker so that it won’t all stick together in one big clump. The rest of the ingredients including beans, garlic, pumpkin, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, corn, green chilies, salsa verde and spices go into the pot, then it’s time to let everything simmer away!
Tips for Slow Cooker Chili
- I use lean ground turkey. It’s got plenty of flavor without all the extra grease.
- I pre-measure my spices the night before, which makes prep time go a lot quicker when I’m trying to get everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
- This recipe makes great leftovers and meal prep. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
- You can use pumpkin from a can or you can easily make your own pumpkin purée for this recipe. Simply, follow my easy step-by-step “how to make pumpkin purée” guide.
- Serve your chili with plenty of toppings such as grated cheese, sour cream, onions, tomatoes, avocado, fresh cilantro or even bacon crumbles.
Pumpkin Chili Variations
While this is a super tasty version of pumpkin chili, there are many ways to customize it to your preferences.
- If you don’t want to wait for your chili to cook in the crock pot, you can make this recipe on the stove instead. Simply brown the meat and green peppers, then add the rest of the ingredients to a large pot and simmer over low heat for one hour.
- Use any variety of beans that you want. You can even make this chili beanless.
- This chili will work great with any type of ground meat you prefer. Chicken, beef or bison are all great choices.
What To Serve With Chili
Cornbread is the classic side dish for chili, and my jalapeño cornbread recipe is the best of the best! Because this chili has zesty Mexican flavors, tortilla chips or strips or even fritos are other great options. This chili is also great served over a baked potato, on a hot dog, or poured over french fries. There are so many different ways to enjoy chili and you just can’t go wrong!
Looking for more pumpkin recipes?
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Pancakes
Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin Sauce
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Hummus
Did you make and love this recipe? Give it your review below! 👇 And make sure to share your creations by tagging me or using the hashtag #brooklynfarmgirl on Instagram!
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
PrintIngredients
- 2 green bell peppers chopped
- 1 15 oz can can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a skillet, add your chopped peppers, minced garlic and ground turkey. Cook until turkey is browned.
- Put your ground turkey mixture into a slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients and stir so everything is fully mixed up.
- Cook on low for 5 hours. Serve and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top (optional).
Nutrition Information:
Deb A says
We have made this recipe several times throughout the fall & winter! Love all the ingredients & taste at the end!
Deb Aronson says
This chili was beyond DELICIOUS!!! Thank you!!! Can’t wait to make it again!
Breeta Garland says
Your recipe looks delish and sounds perfect for a fall dinner!! I’m adding the ingredients to this week’s shopping list and putting it on the menu for the week! So excited!! Thank you!
Pamela says
Thanks Breeta – hope you like this Slow Cooker Chili!
Catherine Hardy says
I like
Catherine Hardy says
Thank you
traci ball says
Sounds delicious! I plan to make for a neighborhood halloween party. How much does this one recipe serve?
Pamela says
Enjoy Traci, serving size is about 6.
Claudia says
This sounds amazing. 🙂 What is the calorie count per cup?
Pamela says
Hey Claudia, it’s really good! I don’t provide nutritional details for recipes but you can use a calorie calculator if you search for one on Google. Enjoy!
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Pamela!!! Are you in my head?? Cause here’s the thing … Love pumpkin. Love Mexican (who doesn’t!). And I love chili.
Never in my wildest food dreams would I have put pumpkin into chili, but I’m game!!
PS – Your pics are gorgeous! And those little crocks – SO cute!! I want those! 🙂
Pamela says
Hey Gretchen, thanks so much! I absolutely love this version of chili as it has 3 of my favorite food worlds in it. It’s especially feeling like Fall here lately so I can’t wait to make the next batch!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Yum! This is looking delicious. I was trying to figure out a way to add pumpkin to chili, great recipe! Pinning and definitely trying soon. 🙂
Pamela says
Enjoy Krista, hope it’s a great chili dinner!
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
I love love love everything about this recipe and I am going to have to put it on my list of recipes to try. It looks so enticing.
Pamela says
Hope you enjoy Marlene!
debg says
well first i hate pumpkin but the recipe peaked my interest and it looked good so i made it ohhhhhhh was it delicious i did make a few sl ight changes i had to have onion and i had red salsa and fresh corn but in went everything else and what a chili thanks maybe i will have to give pumpkin another try as long as its hidden
Pamela says
So glad you gave this a try and ended up liking it! Thanks for reporting back and letting me know. As my husband would say “onion makes everything better!”. 😉
Linda says
I have a similar recipe that I love. Somehow the pumpkin makes chili really special. When its just a tad cooler, I’ll be trying yours.
Pamela says
Thanks Linda! I definitely love how savory the pumpkin makes the chili.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
LOVE this recipe, Pamela! In Southwest cooking, I just adore sweet potatoes with all the classic spices. Your chili recipes reminds me of all those fabulous flavors bursting through! Not hard to imagine how tasty this chili is! Cannot wait to make this fall! Thanks for sharing, girl. Pinning!! xo
Pamela says
Hope you enjoy it when Fall comes Stacy and I absolutely love the addition of sweet potatoes – yum!
Kate says
omgjkfhsdhfdjsf this sounds perfect! Guilty of vegetarianism though so as soon as pumpkins hit England and I can make this chili feast I will be substituting in a pound of quorn (doesn’t sound half as appetizing that does it) mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Pamela says
Let me know how it turns out Kate, enjoy!
Emma @ Fork and Good says
It looks so colourful!! the only savoury pumpkin I’ve ever had was in a soup, and it tasted pretty darn good. Have to try this, thanks for sharing, it looks so colourful!
Pamela says
Thanks Emma! I’ll be posting a pumpkin soup recipe soon enough.. stay tuned! 😉
Irina @ wandercrush says
THERE IS SO MUCH GOODNESS HERE. Pumpkin seems to be such a natural compliment for chilli! Not sure why I’ve never tried it before, but I will this fall 🙂
Pamela says
Enjoy Irina! I’m so excited for the soon to be Fall!
Amy Tong says
I love chili…but definitely haven’t try one with pumpkin yet….let along Mexican Pumpkin Chili! Sounds comforting and scrumptious.
Pamela says
It’s a yummy dinner Amy!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
All I think is that it looks wonderful…love the use of unique ingredients…who needs another boring regular chili recipe anyhow?
Pamela says
Thanks Barbara!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
What a fantastic soup! Some type of pumpkin soup or chili is on my list of things to make soon. Like maybe this weekend soon! 🙂 Pinned!
Pamela says
What a yummy weekend! Enjoy Julie! I’ll be posting a pumpkin soup soon enough too!
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says
this recipe will come so handy soon. thanks Pamela. on a side note – i have those bowls as well, same color too 😛
Pamela says
Hahaha, awesome Dixya! I saw they have blue now too, I think I have to pick that one up too!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
I love this, Pamela! When I read the title, I thought it would be chunks of pumpkin. I wouldn’t have thought of using pumpkin puree, but you have sold me on the idea.
Pamela says
Thanks Andi! 🙂
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Beautiful chili!! How cute are those bowls!! Love them!
Pamela says
Thanks guys!
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
I love pumpkin recipes – sweet or savory!! This chili sounds delicious 🙂
Pamela says
Thanks Jennifer!
Joanne says
Maybe Mexican and pumpkin dont’ TRADITIONALLY go together, but I love them together in my kitchen! This chili is a must for the fall.
Pamela says
Totally agree Joanne! They are now a pair!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I’d imagine that the pumpkin adds a really nice sweetness to the chilli as well as goodness and texture 😀
Pamela says
The texture of the pumpkin is just great Lorraine! It’s so versatile in recipes!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Well it’s about damn time that pumpkin + Mexican became friends because holy bananas, this chili looks AWESOME. It’s not quiiiiite as cool as I’d like it here in Sac, but it’s happening soon and so is this chili in my mouth.
Pamela says
Enjoy Hayley! It’s still humid here but I was viewing the monthly temperatures for September and soon enough I won’t need the AC at night!
Ash-foodfashionparty says
I can see how it can work, we incorporate pumpkin in Indian food a lot, so I know this would be delicious. I am pinning this to my Pumpkin board.
Pamela says
A pumpkin board! I need to check this out!
Archana @ FeedingTheFoodie says
is it fall already? No, please no! I do love a good chilli – and your recipe with the pumpkin puree is very unique – think I’ll adapt it to a vegetarian version – but not so soon – I need a few more weeks of warm weather!
Pamela says
Enjoy those last few weeks of summer Archana!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Ok, so now I’m not only looking forward to fall but also looking forward to a snowy winter day. Because this chili will be PERFECT in the dead of winter. Or now. Either way, it looks great!
Pamela says
Thanks Kim! I can totally imagine this chili on a winter day, actually just thinking about it puts a smile on my face! Enjoy!