If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It marries tender chunks of naturally sweet butternut squash with savory, spiced ground meat and beans, creating a vibrant medley of flavors that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving something satisfying on a chilly day, this chili brings depth and color to your dinner table with ease and a touch of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays an essential role in building the warmth, texture, and bold flavor profile of this chili. From the juicy sweetness of the butternut squash to the smoky spices, every component has its part in making this dish a standout.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and bringing all the ingredients together with a silky finish.
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef: Adds protein and lends a hearty, savory foundation.
- 1 onion, chopped: Offers a natural sweetness and depth that softens as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that pungent kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed: Brings a velvety texture and subtle sweetness, making this chili extra special.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture to balance the flavors perfectly.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Enhances heartiness and fiber content.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Contributes color and additional nutritional punch.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The defining spice that gives the chili its bold, warming essence.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthy undertones that enrich the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture and depth, helping everything meld together.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional): Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch in the final moments of cooking.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and add your choice of ground turkey or beef. Cook it until nicely browned, breaking it apart as it sizzles. This step builds the savory backbone of your chili, with caramelized bits adding extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. This forms the subtle sweetness and fragrant base that will balance the spicy and smoky notes ahead.
Step 3: Combine Squash, Beans, and Spices
Now it’s time to add the star of the show — the butternut squash cubes — along with diced tomatoes, kidney and black beans. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together, coating each ingredient with the fragrant spice mixture for that signature chili flavor brimming with warmth.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover it. Let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the butternut squash to soften into creamy perfection while all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Add Corn Kernels for a Sweet Crunch
If you’re including corn, fold in the kernels during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a delightful texture contrast and a subtle sweetness that complements the earthy chili spices perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your chili is ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed warm. The combination of tender meat, creamy squash, hearty beans, and rich spices makes each spoonful feel nourishing and fulfilling.
How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top just before serving to add a vibrant, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for creaminess, or sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the hearty sauce. A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely if you want to add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice to transform it into a complete meal bowl. You could also stuff it into baked sweet potatoes or use it as a filling for hearty tacos during game night or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chili to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flavors again without any extra work.
Freezing
This Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much. It also reheats well in the microwave, covered, in one-to-two-minute increments.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey or beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a lean alternative and will still absorb the chili’s robust spices well, making for a delicious variation.
Is this chili spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add hot sauce to suit your personal heat preference.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining that rich, hearty texture.
How do I peel and cube butternut squash safely?
Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before chopping into cubes. A sturdy knife and a stable cutting board make this task much easier and safer.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the squash is tender and flavors meld.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting dish with a touch of sweetness and satisfying heartiness, you really can’t go wrong with this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a nourishing meal at home. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey or Beef is a hearty, nutritious dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining tender butternut squash, savory ground meat, beans, and warm spices, this chili offers a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a flavorful, one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the cubed butternut squash, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all ingredients with the spices.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is tender and flavors meld together.
- Optional Corn Addition: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add corn kernels to the chili for added texture and sweetness. Stir to combine and cook through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can use either ground turkey or beef based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the chili powder and spices to your desired heat level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra richness.
