Sweet & Hearty Butternut Squash Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

When cold winds whisper through autumn’s embrace, this hearty butternut squash chili delivers warmth and comfort straight to your soul.

Robust spices dance with chunks of tender butternut squash, creating a melody of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Packed with nutrients and bold seasonings, this chili stands out as a delightful twist on classic recipes.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will savor every spoonful of this rich, satisfying dish.

Warming aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Each bite tells a story of seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity.

Prepare to fall in love with a chili that redefines comfort food.

Why Butternut Squash Chili Is So Flavorful

• Boost Nutrition: Pack your plate with a powerhouse of healthy ingredients like turkey, kale, butternut squash, and beans, delivering a balanced meal loaded with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delightful chili in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal preparations without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Transform traditional chili into a hearty, satisfying dish that warms your soul with a unique twist of butternut squash, offering a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that sets it apart from classic recipes.
• Customize with Ease: Top your chili with favorite garnishes like avocado, cheese, or sour cream, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl and create a meal that matches their taste preferences.

Everything in Butternut Squash Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful meat that adds protein to the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Black Beans: Creamy beans that provide extra texture and nutrition.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet and hearty vegetable that gives the chili a unique twist.
• Carrot, Celery, Onion: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a rich flavor foundation.
• Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green that adds color and health benefits.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient that adds richness and creaminess.

• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the vegetables and meat.

• Olive Oil: Cooking oil for sautéing vegetables.

• Avocado Slices, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Tortilla Chips, Sour Cream: Delicious garnishes that personalize the chili.

Cooking Process for Butternut Squash Chili

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Grab a sauté pan and cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned and looks deliciously crispy.

Drain off any extra oil and set the turkey aside for later.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat.

• Diced carrots
• Diced celery
• Diced onions

Sauté these veggies for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their amazing aromas.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

Stir in minced garlic and thyme, letting them dance around the pan for about a minute until they become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Chili Foundation

Time to bring everything together!

• Diced butternut squash
• Drained beans
• Cooked turkey
• Chicken broth

Stir everything and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the squash becomes tender and dreamy.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Greens

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle chopped kale into the pot.

Stir gently and let simmer for 4-5 minutes until the kale wilts and all flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Create Your Chili Masterpiece

• Avocado slices
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy tortilla chips
• Dollop of sour cream

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Butternut Squash Chili Cooking Advice

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier chili that's low in fat and high in protein, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal.
• Sauté carrots, celery, and onions until they're just tender to release their natural sweetness and create a robust flavor base for the chili.
• Cut butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and maintain a pleasant texture throughout the dish.
• Add kale near the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color, nutrients, and slight crunch, preventing it from becoming overly wilted or mushy.
• Experiment with diverse garnishes like Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or roasted pumpkin seeds to personalize your chili and add exciting layers of flavor and texture.

Keep Butternut Squash Chili Fresh

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chili will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Frozen chili maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

Pair Butternut Squash Chili with These

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the butternut squash chili. These full-bodied wines match the depth and warmth of the dish.
• Create Crisp Cornbread Companion: Whip up a slightly sweet, golden cornbread with jalapeño bits to balance the chili's creamy texture and provide a delightful contrasting crunch.
• Serve Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a bright, zesty salad with orange segments, arugula, and a light citrus vinaigrette to cut through the chili's richness and add refreshing notes.
• Design Tangy Yogurt Topping: Mix Greek yogurt with chopped cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of cumin to create a cool, tangy garnish that enhances the chili's complex flavor profile.

Flavor Changes for Butternut Squash Chili

• Veggie Lovers Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to increase heat and create a more robust southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute butternut squash with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the hearty chili texture and maintaining similar nutritional value.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace cheese toppings with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose sensitivities.

FAQs

• Is butternut squash healthy in chili?

Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It adds nutrition and a creamy texture to the chili while providing fewer calories compared to traditional chili ingredients.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or additional beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a vegetarian profile.

• How can I make this chili spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.

• What type of beans work best in this recipe?

Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans are excellent choices. They provide protein, fiber, and a hearty texture to the chili while complementing the butternut squash.

Butternut Squash Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Butternut Squash Chili brings robust southwestern comfort with unexpected vegetable warmth. Spicy, rich layers marry sweet roasted squash and smoky seasonings, promising delicious satisfaction for your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) ground turkey, browned and crumbled
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) butternut squash, diced
• 14 ounces (397 grams) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh kale, chopped and massaged

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (600 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Brown ground turkey in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until completely cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes. Remove excess oil and set meat aside for later incorporation.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven, introducing diced carrots, celery, and onions. Gently sauté the vegetables until they soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic qualities.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and thyme into the vegetable mixture, stirring briefly to activate their robust flavors and create a fragrant base for the chili.
4. Combine diced butternut squash, pre-cooked turkey, drained beans, and chicken broth into the pot. Thoroughly mix ingredients and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to allow a gentle simmer for approximately 15 minutes until squash becomes tender.
5. Carefully pour heavy cream into the simmering chili and fold in chopped kale. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
6. Transfer the completed chili into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation. Enhance the dish with optional garnishes such as creamy avocado slices, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla chips, or a luxurious dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Choose ground turkey with less fat for a leaner protein option that keeps the chili lighter and healthier.
• Allow butternut squash to become fork-tender during simmering to ensure a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture without turning mushy.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds creamy richness while keeping the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the chili.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg