As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the scent of a hearty meal wafting from your kitchen. Fall crockpot recipes have a magical way of warming your soul, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas, and bringing family together. Imagine returning from a chilly day outside to find a bubbling pot of savory goodness waiting for you.
This is my story with my favorite fall crockpot recipe: a luscious pumpkin chili that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a delightful mix of spicy warmth and sweet pumpkin richness that screams “cozy.” Picture this dish on a rainy autumn evening, accompanied by warm cornbread and hearty laughter. You won’t just savor it; you’ll revel in the experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this pumpkin chili an absolute winner for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile bursts with a delightful blend of spices and pumpkin sweetness
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this dish looks as good as it tastes
- Versatile enough for meat lovers or vegetarians, it satisfies every palate at your table
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this chili at our last fall gathering; they were practically begging for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Turkey: A lean option that adds hearty texture without overwhelming flavors; feel free to substitute beef if preferred.
-
Canned Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for authentic flavor.
-
Canned Beans: Black beans or kidney beans work great; rinse them well to reduce sodium.
-
Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant ones—red, green, or yellow—for added color and sweetness.
-
Onion: A large yellow onion will provide a robust flavor base as it caramelizes during cooking.
-
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the aroma beautifully; don’t skimp on this!
-
Chili Powder: This is where the magic happens—spice it up to suit your heat tolerance!
-
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping flavors rich.
-
Cumin: A touch of cumin brings earthiness that’s perfect for fall dishes.
-
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Optional but highly recommended for creamy topping perfection!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion and bell peppers into small pieces. Mince 3-4 cloves of garlic until fragrant—your kitchen will soon smell amazing.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil before tossing in onions and peppers. Sauté until they’re tender and translucent—about 5 minutes—and then stir in garlic for another minute.
Add Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it’s browned all over, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. This step ensures even cooking and great texture.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer everything into your trusty crockpot along with canned pumpkin, beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all those fantastic flavors together.
Set It and Forget It: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Letting it simmer allows those flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste Test & Serve: About 30 minutes before serving, give it a taste! Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside cornbread or tortilla chips.
Now you have yourself an easy-to-make fall crockpot recipe that will keep everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy every cozy moment amidst falling leaves!
You Must Know
- Fall crockpot recipes are perfect for cozy evenings; they fill your home with comforting aromas while you enjoy life
- Easy to prepare, these meals let you spend more time sipping on pumpkin spice lattes and less time slaving away in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning your meat for richer flavor before adding vegetables and broth. Give everything a good stir and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins or add seasonal veggies like squash or kale. Spice it up with extra herbs or a splash of cider vinegar for brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A good fall crockpot recipe relies on layering flavors; start with aromatics like onion and garlic
- Avoid overcooking vegetables; they can turn mushy if left too long
- Don’t forget to taste before serving—sometimes a pinch of salt makes all the difference!
When I first made my favorite fall crockpot recipe, my neighbors couldn’t stop raving about it during our potluck. Their smiles were worth every minute spent chopping veggies!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meat in fall crockpot recipes?
Using frozen meat is not recommended as it may not cook evenly.
What are some great sides for fall crockpot meals?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or seasonal salads complement these dishes wonderfully.
How can I make my dish thicker?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking to thicken.
Cozy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Warm up this fall with a delightful pumpkin chili that perfectly balances spicy warmth and sweet pumpkin richness. This hearty crockpot meal is not only easy to prepare but also fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Ideal for busy weeknights, it brings family together over comforting bowls of goodness. Serve it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for an unforgettable autumn experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (or beef)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables by chopping the onion and bell peppers, and mincing the garlic.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and peppers until tender (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic for another minute.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet; cook until browned while breaking it apart.
- Transfer everything into a crockpot. Add pumpkin, beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
