Start by browning the ground beef. Do this on the stove top in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Brown the meat and crumble it with a wooden spoon or spatula. Drain any fat and then add the ground beef to the slow cooker.
Add the pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, pinto beans, water, chili powder, pumpkin spice, salt yellow onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Add a minced habanero pepper if you want a spicy chili. Stir.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
When the cooking time is up, stir and serve. Top with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!
Stove-top instructions:
Set a large pot over medium high heat. When the pot is hot add the ground beef, bell peppers and onions. Crumble beef with a wooden spoon. When the meat is browned, drain the fat.
Add remaining ingredients and stir. Bring up to a boil, then lower the heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't burn.
Video
Notes
Can I use ground turkey?Yes, use ground turkey in place of ground beef. Will turn out great.Can I make this vegetarian?Substitute soy crumbles for the ground beef. Add additional beans, you can even add a can of black beans or garbanzo beans. Or fill this chili with additional vegetables such as corn, mushrooms, butternut squash cubes. With only a few tweeks you can easily make this vegetarian pumpkin chili.Can I freeze? Yes! All chili freezes very well. Place the leftover pumpkin chili into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months.