Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect dish for cozy fall evenings. This unique chili combines creamy pumpkin with savory maple breakfast sausage, making it not only delicious but also comforting. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this chili caters to all occasions. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and will warm you up from the inside out. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of autumn in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and sausage creates a rich and hearty taste that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served alongside bread and toppings for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and pumpkin, this chili is not only filling but also nutritious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for allowing flavors to meld over low heat while you go about your day.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning the sausage before adding it to the crockpot, enhancing its flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Ingredients

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili features a blend of wholesome ingredients that create its signature flavor.

Main Ingredients

• green onion
• cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• 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

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 and crumble the maple breakfast links in a skillet over medium heat until brown and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Add cooked maple breakfast sausage, 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 to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, cut the block of cream cheese into 6 to 8 chunks. Microwave until soft (30-60 seconds). Add cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally during these last minutes until fully melted and incorporated into the chili.

Serve hot with garnishes like green onions or cheese! Enjoy this delightful Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a warm, comforting dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate it with some delicious toppings, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Toppings

• Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a refreshing crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy and savory flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the chili’s spices.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a classic pairing that soaks up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips create a delightful texture contrast.
• Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty and filling meal.

Garnishes

• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds zest.

How to Perfect Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your spice preference.
• Incorporate More Beans: Adding an extra can of beans can increase protein content and texture variety.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Pair your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili with these delicious side dishes to create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the chili, garlic bread offers a flavorful companion.
2. Side Salad: A fresh side salad brings crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of the chili.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and cheese make an excellent match.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy texture of mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich flavors of the chili.
6. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, quinoa salad adds nutritious grains to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to sidestep for the best results.

• Overcrowding the crockpot: Adding too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure you stick to the recipe quantities for optimal flavor and texture.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage may result in a less flavorful chili. Always brown your maple breakfast sausage first to enhance its taste.
• Not measuring spices accurately: Using too much or too little spice can ruin the balance of flavors. Make sure to measure your spices carefully for consistent results.
• Adding cream cheese too early: If you add cream cheese at the beginning, it won’t melt properly. Wait until 20-30 minutes before serving to ensure creamy incorporation.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can clump instead of melting smoothly into the chili. Microwave it briefly to bring it to room temperature before adding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili that might help you out.

Can I use other types of beans in this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

Yes, you can substitute great northern beans with black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference.

How spicy is this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

The spice level is mild due to green chilies and spices like cumin and chili powder. You can adjust it by adding jalapeños or more chili powder if desired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute maple breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How long does this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili take to cook?

It typically takes about 6-8 hours on low heat in your crockpot for all flavors to meld beautifully.

What toppings pair well with this chili?

Consider garnishing with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes. Its creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients makes it perfect for cozy fall evenings. Feel free to customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste preferences!