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Slow Cooker Short Ribs and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Short Ribs and Pumpkin Chili, a hearty autumnal chili, makes for a perfect and easy fall meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 4 pounds short ribs bone-in is my preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Simple Barbecue Sauce or your favorite ready-made barbecue sauce
  • 1 15-ounce can beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin or 15-ounce can
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 2 15-ounce cans beans drained
  • 2 cups cubed cooking pumpkin or butternut squash
  • 3 cups chopped curly kale

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over high heat until hot. Add the oil and wait a minute until it shimmers. Place the short ribs into the skillet and sear until nicely browned on all sides. You won't want to crowd the pan, brown the ribs in batches if necessary.
  • Combine the barbecue sauce, beef broth, pumpkin, and mustard in a small bowl. If the barbecue sauce has been chilled, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds before adding to the sauce.
  • Place the onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, top with the sauce mixture and combine. Nestle the browned short ribs into the slow cooker and turn to coat with the sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  • In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the beans, cubed squash, and curly kale.

Notes

  1. Beans: Use your favorite combination of chili beans like black beans, red kidney beans, or pinto beans.
  2. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  3. Freezer: Freeze cooled chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  4. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
  5. Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 967mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 13422IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 5mg