Add ground meat to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the same skillet, stirring until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic
Pour in the diced pumpkin, drained beans, diced tomatoes with juice, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
15 oz diced pumpkin, 1 can black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 hours, until the flavors meld and the pumpkin is tender.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
After cooking, open the lid and gently stir the chili to distribute the flavors. The mixture should be thick, vibrant orange, with a hearty, chunky texture.
Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
