If you’ve been searching for a cozy, flavorful meal that brings warmth and comfort in every bite, you’re going to absolutely love this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe. It’s a vibrant twist on traditional chili that uses tender butternut squash to add natural sweetness and a lovely creamy texture, perfectly balanced by savory ground turkey or beef and a robust blend of spices. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is simple to pull together, nourishing, and packed with hearty ingredients that make every spoonful a satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that shine throughout the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for cooking and enhances the flavors of the meat and vegetables.
- Ground turkey or beef: Choose your favorite protein to bring heartiness and depth.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation for the chili.
- Garlic: Offers a punch of savory, pungent flavor that melds beautifully with spices.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient adding natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Create a tangy, juicy backdrop that brightens the chili.
- Kidney beans: Bring additional texture and protein, enhancing the chili’s heartiness.
- Black beans: Complement the kidney beans with earthiness and fiber.
- Chili powder: Infuses a smoky warmth that defines the chili’s classic flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness and slight nuttiness that deepens the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a rich, smoky undertone that elevates the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture for simmering and builds a savory base.
- Corn kernels (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and delightful texture.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that brings vibrancy to each serving.
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as you cook it until it’s nicely browned. This step is all about building that savory foundation. Once the meat is browned, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook those until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing those delicious aromatic notes that will carry through the dish.
Step 2: Add Butternut Squash and Beans
Next, toss in the cubed butternut squash along with the drained kidney beans and black beans. These ingredients not only bulk up your chili but also provide a wonderful mix of textures. The squash will soften into a creamy consistency while the beans hold their shape, giving your chili that hearty, stew-like feel.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with those warm spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, then bring everything to a simmer. Cover your pot and let the chili cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the butternut squash to become tender without losing its shape.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
In the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the optional corn kernels for an extra pop of sweetness and crunch. Give the chili one final stir, then it’s ready to serve—rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of chili, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top just before serving. It adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the rich flavors. You can also add dollops of sour cream or shredded cheese for extra creaminess, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, crusty bread, or even a crunchy green salad. If you want to keep it casual and cozy, tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up every last bit. These sides add complementary textures and help round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili in bread bowls or stuffed into baked sweet potatoes. You could even offer toppings bar-style, letting everyone customize their bowl with avocado slices, jalapeños, diced onions, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. Presentation can be casual or a little fancy, making this dish versatile for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. Leftovers often taste even better after the spices have had more time to mingle.
Freezing
If you want to prep for busy days ahead, this chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat your chilled or thawed chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or drying out. You can add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. It also reheats well in the microwave; just cover to retain moisture and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey or beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean alternative that works well with this chili’s flavors. Just remember to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed since chicken has a milder taste than beef or turkey.
Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling the butternut squash is recommended because the skin is tough and doesn’t soften during cooking. Removing the skin ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your chili without any chewiness.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version. Adding extra beans or lentils can boost protein and keep the chili hearty and satisfying.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika will still add lovely color and a mild sweetness. To mimic a smoky flavor, you can add a tiny pinch of chipotle powder or a drop of liquid smoke, but it’s perfectly fine without it.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe is designed to be mild to medium in spiciness, making it family-friendly. If you prefer it hotter, feel free to add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, nutrition, and irresistible flavors all in one pot. Whether you’re warming up a chilly evening or looking for a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes your go-to cozy dish!
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
Description
This easy butternut squash chili is a hearty and nutritious meal combining ground turkey or beef with tender butternut squash, beans, and flavorful spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s rich in protein and fiber with a delicious blend of smoky chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
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
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned meat. 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, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat with the spices.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is tender.
- Add Corn (Optional): For added texture and sweetness, stir in corn kernels during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Continue to simmer until heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot as a comforting and filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or even ground chicken depending on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Add extra spice by including a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Pair with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
