Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect dish for cozy fall evenings. This hearty chili features pumpkin in a creamy white base, combined with savory chicken sausage, green chilies, and white beans. It’s not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. With its unique flavor profile and simplicity, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and creamy texture creates a deliciously rich dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or served as a side. Pair it with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and pumpkin, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at gatherings; everyone will enjoy this unique take on chili.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking; just set it and forget it!
• Skillet: Ideal for browning sausage before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping your ingredients safe and quick.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

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

For the Chili Base

• 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

For the Spices

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnishing

• 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 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 Slow Cooker

Add cooked maple breakfast sausage to the crockpot 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. Stir well to mix together all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving time, add cream cheese to the slow cooker. To make incorporation easier, cut cream cheese into chunks and microwave until soft (30-60 seconds). Stir into chili until fully melted and mixed throughout.

Serve hot with garnishes like chopped green onion, shredded cheddar cheese, or sour cream on top. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate it with garnishes, here are some great serving suggestions.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Green Onions – Finely chop green onions for a fresh and crunchy topping.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.
• Sour Cream – Add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy contrast to the chili’s richness.

Serve with Bread

• Cornbread – Pair your chili with warm cornbread for a classic combination that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Crusty Bread – Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the delightful creamy chili.

Create a Chili Bar

• Toppings Station – Set up a toppings bar with items like diced avocados, jalapeños, and tortilla chips, allowing guests to customize their bowls.

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 – Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture, making your chili vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños according to your preference.
• Stir During Cooking – If possible, give the chili a stir occasionally during cooking to help combine the flavors better.
• Let it Sit – Allowing the chili to rest after cooking can deepen its flavor as it cools slightly before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy and buttery element that’s perfect for dipping.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
3. Rice or Quinoa – Serve over cooked rice or quinoa for added bulk and texture in your meal.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes make an excellent base for spooning over chili, adding heartiness.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or veggies offer a colorful and nutritious side option.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors that complement the chili well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not preparing ingredients properly: Always chop and measure your ingredients ahead of time to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Overcooking the chili: While slow cooking is essential, overcooking can lead to mushy beans. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Skipping the cream cheese step: Adding cream cheese too early can result in a lumpy texture. Wait until the last 20-30 minutes for the best consistency.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor strength. Taste your chili before serving and adjust spices if needed.
• Forgetting garnishes: Toppings like green onions and cheddar cheese add freshness and flavor. Don’t skip these important finishing touches.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some 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 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili unique?

This chili stands out due to its creamy pumpkin base combined with spices and hearty ingredients like beans and corn. The addition of cream cheese gives it a rich texture that’s perfect for fall.

Can I customize my Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

Absolutely! You can swap in different beans or add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

How spicy is this chili?

The spiciness level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the diced tomatoes with chilies.

What can I serve with my Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Pumpkin Chili is not just a cozy dish; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe that brings warmth and comfort during cooler days!

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