Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, especially as the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp. This dish combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with creamy textures, making it a cozy and unique fall chili. Ideal for family gatherings, game days, or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal chopping and just a few steps, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and savory sausage creates a delicious flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Customizable Garnishes: Top your chili with green onions, cheddar cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture. Make each bowl your own!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and pumpkin, this chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great source of fiber and protein.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: The star of this recipe! It allows for slow cooking, which melds all the flavors beautifully while you go about your day.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage before adding it to the crockpot. This step enhances flavor!
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of cutting ingredients like green onions or diced tomatoes.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 12 ounce package maple breakfast links
• 2 15oz cans great northern beans, drained
• 1 15oz can whole corn kernels, drained
• 1 4oz can diced green chilies
• 1 10oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (ro-tel)
• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces plain cream cheese

Toppings

• Green onion
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Using a knife carefully remove the casings from all of the maple breakfast links. Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble the maple breakfast links into it. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add cooked maple breakfast sausage along with great northern beans, corn kernels, diced green chilies, diced tomatoes with chilies, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, ground cumin, chili powder, ground nutmeg, and black pepper into your crockpot. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Chili

Set your crockpot on low heat and cook for about 6-8 hours. This slow cooking time allows all flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving time, it’s time to add the cream cheese. To make this easier to incorporate into your chili, cut the block into 6-8 chunks and microwave until softened (about 30-60 seconds). Add these chunks to the slow cooker and let them melt into the chili while stirring occasionally during those last minutes of cooking.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like green onions, cheddar cheese, or sour cream. Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy fall dish!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a delightful dish that warms the soul, especially during the cooler months. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar melts beautifully on top, adding richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers creaminess and balances the spices.

Serve with Crunchy Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up chili, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread complements the chili’s flavors perfectly.
• Fresh Baguette: Crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the creamy chili.

Create a Chili Bar

• Variety of Toppings: Set up a toppings station with jalapeños, avocado, and hot sauce for customization.
• Sides Selection: Offer side dishes like rice or quinoa for those who prefer a heartier meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

To ensure your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality spices and fresh produce for maximum flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner chili, add extra chicken stock towards the end of cooking.
• Flavor Boosting: Incorporate additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare ingredients the night before to save time in the morning. Just throw everything in the crockpot!
• Leftover Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day; let it sit overnight for flavors to meld.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Pairing your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili with complementary sides enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic pairing that absorbs flavors well.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice provides a filling base that balances spice.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds freshness and richness, perfect for dipping chips.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
5. Tortilla Wraps: Soft tortillas can be filled with chili for a fun twist on serving it.
6. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies offer a healthy side that complements the dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using canned ingredients without rinsing: Always rinse canned beans and corn to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
• Overcooking the chili: Cooking for too long can make the texture mushy. Stick to 6-8 hours on low heat.
• Neglecting to stir: Failing to stir occasionally can lead to uneven cooking. Give it a gentle mix every now and then.
• Using cold cream cheese: Adding cream cheese straight from the fridge can result in lumps. Microwave it first for smoother incorporation.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t forget toppings like green onions or cheddar cheese!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili.

What makes this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili different?

This chili combines creamy pumpkin puree with spices and hearty beans, creating a unique fall-inspired dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or even fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the maple breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives that fit your diet.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

Consider garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or even avocado slices for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with warm flavors perfect for fall. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Give this cozy recipe a try; you’ll love its creamy texture and delightful taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly autumn nights, combining the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin with savory beans and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Simply toss all your ingredients into the crockpot, set it to cook, and let the flavors meld together beautifully. With a touch of cream cheese for added creaminess and customizable toppings like green onions and cheddar cheese, this chili is sure to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy this nourishing pumpkin dish that celebrates the essence of fall!

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Ingredients

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• 1 package maple breakfast links
• 2 cans great northern beans
• 1 can whole corn kernels
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can pure pumpkin puree
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces plain cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare sausage by removing casings and crumbling into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes) and drain excess fat.
2. In your crockpot, combine cooked sausage with great northern beans, corn, diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Set the crockpot on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
4. About 20-30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese cut into chunks. Microwave until softened for easier blending into the chili.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 25mg