Coziest Butternut Squash Chili Recipe: Turkey or Beef Magic!

Chili nights call for something special, especially when you’re craving a hearty butternut squash chili that blends comfort with bold flavors.

This robust recipe combines lean ground turkey or beef with sweet, velvety butternut squash for a warming meal that satisfies deeply.

Chunks of vibrant squash mingle with perfectly seasoned meat, creating a delightful texture in every spoonful.

The rich, warming spices bring a depth that transforms this chili from ordinary to extraordinary.

Packed with nutrition and incredible taste, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic chili.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming, nourishing chili that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need for Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef

• Ground Turkey or Beef: Select lean meat for a healthier chili with robust flavor and protein-packed goodness.

• Butternut Squash: Adds creamy sweetness and nutritional depth, choose firm squash with smooth skin and vibrant orange color.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base and depth, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Enhances overall flavor profile, pick plump cloves without sprouts.
• Bell Pepper: Contributes crisp texture and mild sweetness, choose peppers with smooth, glossy skin.

• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, complex spiciness to the dish.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, smoky undertones characteristic of traditional chili.
• Paprika: Adds subtle sweetness and rich color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for those desiring extra heat.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates liquid base and adds tangy brightness.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Provide hearty texture and plant-based protein.
• Chicken Broth: Develops rich, layered liquid foundation.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and heightening overall taste.

Tools That Make Butternut Squash Chili Quick and

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the chili, providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: Needed to roast butternut squash in the oven, ensuring even caramelization.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for peeling and dicing butternut squash and chopping vegetables precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients safely.
• Spatula: Helps break down meat into small crumbles and stir ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for adding the right amount of spices to balance flavors.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chili into individual bowls neatly and evenly.

How to Make Butternut Squash Chili That’s Cozy and Rich

• Roast the Squash

Transform butternut squash into golden, caramelized goodness by peeling and cutting into cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400F for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

• Brown the Protein

Heat a large pot and sizzle some olive oil. Toss in ground turkey or beef, breaking it into tiny crumbles until it develops a rich, golden color.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Throw chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers into the pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their incredible flavors and creating a mouth-watering base.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a dash of cayenne for a flavor explosion. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney and black beans, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a bubbling simmer.

• Marry the Flavors

Gently fold roasted squash into the chili. Let everything simmer and mingle for 20-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to become best friends.

• Taste and Perfect

Sample your creation and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper until it sings with deliciousness.

• Serve

Ladle into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Swaps and Flavor Enhancers for Butternut Squash Chili

• Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting to enhance caramelization and develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Prepare the entire chili up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify, making it even more delicious.
• Replace beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the chili's hearty texture and nutritional value.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes to create a satisfying vegetarian version of this robust chili.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to three months. Portion into individual containers for quick, convenient meals that can be reheated in minutes.

Serving Suggestions for a Bowl of Butternut Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chili in deep ceramic bowls to capture warmth and create a comforting dining experience perfect for chilly evenings.
• Protein Power Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, crumbled queso fresco, or roasted pumpkin seeds on top to add extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the texture.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the rich chili and add a zesty, vibrant element that cuts through the richness.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside warm cornbread, toasted sourdough, or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious chili and provide a satisfying complement to the meal.

How to Store Chili With Squash and Meat Options

• Keep your chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day lunches incredibly delicious.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It stays fresh for 3 months, providing quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent scorching.
• Divide chili into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. This approach helps manage meal sizes and makes grabbing a quick lunch super convenient.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn or kabocha squash. These varieties have similar textures and sweetness that work well in chili.

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. If you prefer mild chili, skip the cayenne or use just a pinch. For more heat, increase the amount gradually.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey or beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes. The spices and beans will provide plenty of protein and flavor.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including quinoa, additional beans like chickpeas, or mixing in some hemp seeds when serving. These options boost nutritional value without changing the chili’s core flavor.

Hearty Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey Or Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty butternut squash chili blends robust meat with sweet seasonal squash for a comforting meal. Spices and tender vegetables create a satisfying dinner you’ll crave during cooler months.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey or ground beef
• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Roast Squash: Peel and dice butternut squash into uniform cubes, spreading on a baking sheet and roasting at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
2. Brown Protein: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground turkey or beef, and cook until evenly browned and crumbled.
3. Aromatics and Spices: Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers, sautéing until soft. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to coat the meat and vegetables.
4. Liquid Base: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth, creating a rich foundation for the chili.
5. Simmer and Integrate: Fold roasted butternut squash into the pot, allowing all ingredients to meld together during a 25-30 minute gentle simmer.
6. Final Touch: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
7. Serve: Ladle chili into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut cubes uniformly to ensure even caramelization and prevent soggy or undercooked pieces during roasting.

Avoid Meat Overcrowding: Brown meat in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of achieving a deep, golden sear that develops rich flavor profiles.

Spice Layer Building: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic compounds and create a more complex, deeper taste dimension in the chili.

Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for vegetarian versions, adjusting liquid quantities to maintain desired consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg