Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect dish for cozy nights. This comforting chili combines pumpkin in a creamy base with savory flavors, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or chilly autumn evenings. The unique combination of ingredients brings warmth and satisfaction, ensuring that this dish will become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
Rich and Flavorful: The blend of spices and creamy pumpkin creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that will impress everyone.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for later use.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer; it pairs well with various toppings like green onions or cheese.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with beans and pumpkin, this chili is nutritious and filling without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you go about your day.
Skillet: Ideal for browning sausage, which enhances the flavor of your chili.
Knife & cutting board: Essential for safe food preparation when chopping ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Vegetables & Toppings

green onion
cheddar cheese
sour cream

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

Spices & Creaminess

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the cooked maple breakfast sausage to your slow cooker along with:
– Great northern beans
– Corn kernels
– Diced green chilies
– Diced tomatoes with chilies
– Pumpkin puree
– Chicken stock
– Ground cumin
– Chili powder
– Ground nutmeg
– Black pepper

Stir everything together to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Cook the Chili

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. This long cooking time allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to add the cream cheese. Cut it into 6 to 8 chunks and microwave until soft (30-60 seconds). Stir this into your chili, allowing it to melt and incorporate completely during the last cooking phase. Stir occasionally for even blending.

Serve hot, topped with garnishes like green onions or cheddar cheese! Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully on top for added richness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast and tang.

Serve with Bread

Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread complements the chili’s creaminess and is perfect for dipping.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the flavors of pumpkin and spices.

Make it a Meal

Rice or Quinoa: Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and heartiness.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served alongside for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

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

Bold Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices like cumin and chili powder according to your taste preference for a more robust flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for the best taste experience.
Control the Heat: If you prefer spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder.
Cream Cheese Tips: Soften cream cheese before adding it to help it incorporate smoothly into the chili.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili can elevate the meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that adds richness and balances the spices in the chili.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the warm chili.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty base that complements the creamy chili.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet and savory crunch alongside the dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and cheese make for a colorful and nutritious side.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings additional flavors to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

Overcooking the chili: Cooking for too long can cause flavors to blend excessively. Stick to the recommended 6-8 hours on low for optimal taste.
Neglecting to drain beans and corn: If you skip this step, your chili may become watery. Always drain canned ingredients before adding them to the crockpot.
Using cold cream cheese: Adding cream cheese directly from the fridge can lead to lumps. Allow it to reach room temperature first for a smoother texture.
Skipping the seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to tweak spices like cumin or chili powder according to your preference.
Not stirring enough: Failing to stir occasionally while the cream cheese melts can result in uneven creaminess. Stir at least every 5-10 minutes during the last cooking phase.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The chili will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just label with the date.

Reheating Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot (about 3-5 minutes).
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through (approximately 10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili.

Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide hearty flavor while being leaner.

What can I substitute for chicken stock?

Vegetable broth can work well as a substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegetarian sausage or omit it altogether.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your choice of diced green chilies and chili powder. Start mild and add more if you like heat!

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adjusting spices or adding extra vegetables. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly evenings and ensures you’ll have leftovers to enjoy later!

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

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Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This delightful dish merges the sweetness of pumpkin with a creamy texture and savory spices, creating a warming bowl that your family will love. With beans for protein and vibrant flavors from green chilies and spices, this chili is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

Author: Natalie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 package chicken or turkey 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 cream cheese

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Instructions

Remove casings from maple breakfast links and crumble them into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned (8-10 minutes) and drain excess fat.
In the crockpot, combine cooked sausage with great northern beans, corn, diced green chilies, tomatoes, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir well.
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
About 20-30 minutes before serving, soften cream cheese in the microwave (30-60 seconds). Add to the chili and stir until melted and well incorporated.