Description
This Easy Butternut Squash Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender butternut squash with ground turkey or beef, beans, and warming spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili offers a nutritious blend of vegetables and protein, simmered to perfection in a cozy pot. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
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 an even texture and thorough cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and release their fragrance, enhancing the chili’s flavor base.
- 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 combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
- Add corn kernels: For added texture and sweetness, stir in the corn kernels during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm them through without losing their crispness.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust chili powder and spices to your preferred level of heat and flavor intensity.
- Leftovers freeze well and can be reheated for an easy meal later in the week.
- Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
