Slow cooker pumpkin chili

pumpkin

🥗Healthier: butternut squash

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

butternut squash and sweet potatoes are often more affordable and readily available.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned chickpeas

lentils are lower in calories and can be cooked quickly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

canola oil is more budget-friendly and has a neutral flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

homemade stock can be made from scraps, reducing waste.

Brown 1.5 pounds of ground meat (turkey, hamburger, or chicken) in a skillet and drain the fat.

Spray the crockpot with cooking spray.

Add the browned meat to the crockpot.

Add 1 diced yellow bell pepper and 1 diced medium to large onion to the crockpot.

Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic (or to taste) to the crockpot.

Add 1 large can of diced tomatoes with juice to the crockpot.

Add 1 can of pure pumpkin to the crockpot.

Pour in 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth (or water) into the crockpot.

If using, rinse 1 can of black beans and add them to the crockpot.

Add 4 tablespoons of chili powder (or to taste) to the crockpot, if desired.

Add smoked paprika and black pepper to taste, if desired.

Stir all ingredients together in the crockpot.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high until heated through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary