Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for a deeply satisfying, hearty meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and simplicity, this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef is destined to become your new favorite weeknight staple. With a medley of tender vegetables, two kinds of beans, and your choice of lean ground turkey or beef, it creates a bowlful bursting with color and comforting fall flavors. Every spoonful is packed with nutritious goodness and a perfect balance of smoky heat and creamy sweetness, thanks to the star ingredient—beautiful, golden butternut squash. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want something cozy for meal prep, you’ll fall in love with how easy and customizable this chili truly is.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This irresistibly cozy chili comes together from simple pantry staples and fresh produce, each ingredient playing a bit part in the finished dish. From the richness of the meat to the sweetness of the squash and the subtle heat of the spices, everything is here with purpose!

• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is needed to soften the onions and kickstart the flavors, adding richness to every bite.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): The aromatic base—its sweetness mellows and perfumes the whole chili as it cooks.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Melds beautifully with the onion for that irresistible depth and warmth classic to chili.
• Ground turkey or ground beef (1 pound): Choose your favorite for protein and heft; both add their own delicious character.
• Butternut squash (3 cups, peeled and cubed): The subtle sweetness and silky finish make this chili exceptionally unique.
• Red bell pepper (1, diced): Pops of brightness and crunch to liven up every spoonful.
• Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Creamy, satisfying, and protein-rich, they help provide body and texture.
• Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Their hearty bite stands up perfectly to the thick stew.
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Bring brightness and tang, rounding out the robust chili flavor.
• Tomato paste (1 can, 6 oz): Concentrated savoriness amps up the depth and makes the chili perfectly thick.
• Low-sodium chicken or beef broth (1 cup): Liquefies everything together, allowing the flavors to meld into chili magic!
• Chili powder (2 teaspoons): The classic chili flavor foundation—don’t skimp!
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and warming, it’s a must-have in any chili.
• Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an irresistible subtle smokiness that makes the chili taste slow-cooked.
• Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a whisper of the herbaceous to balance the richness.
• Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Use if you want a bit of back-of-the-throat heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): The essentials for seasoning—don’t forget to adjust right at the end!

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for the Flavor Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it looks softened and golden at the edges. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just 30 seconds more so it becomes fragrant without burning. This step makes your kitchen smell incredible and creates the foundation for layers of comforting flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey or Beef

Add the ground turkey or beef directly into the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This is where the chili starts to take on its heartiness and depth. If you’re using lean meat, you won’t need to drain any fat, but if there’s excess, spoon it off before continuing.

Step 3: Add Veggies, Beans, and Tomatoes

Once the meat is browned, stir in your cubed butternut squash and diced red bell pepper. Then pile in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and that thick dollop of tomato paste. Pour over the broth, and give everything a hearty stir. The vibrant colors at this point are pure kitchen joy—so beautiful!

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now’s the time for all the flavorful spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute those spices throughout the pot. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the squash is meltingly tender and the chili is luxuriously thick.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Once your Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef is finished simmering, give it a taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed, and feel free to adjust the heat with more cayenne or chili powder. Ladle steaming bowls and top with your choice of avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef

Garnishes

Chili is all about the toppings! Try creamy avocado slices, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or plenty of shredded cheese for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or thin-sliced scallions adds a pop of color and brightness. Even a squeeze of lime goes a long way to balance the chili’s richness.

Side Dishes

This chili is plenty hearty on its own, but it’s absolutely dreamy with simple sides. Cornbread or warm tortillas make a fabulous pairing, soaking up every last bit of thick chili. For an even lighter meal, a crisp green salad or roasted brussels sprouts can round things out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef party-ready by serving it in baked bread bowls or over a mound of fluffy rice. You could also ladle it into mugs for cozy, casual gatherings. For family-style dining, bring the pot right to the table with an array of toppings and let everyone serve themselves—so fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili is the perfect make-ahead meal. Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more irresistible the next day. It will keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

One of the reasons to love Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef is how beautifully it freezes! Transfer completely cooled chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your containers so you remember what’s for dinner later.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave before warming. You may need to add a splash of broth to restore the chili to its perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a tasty vegetarian version, simply omit the ground turkey or beef and add an extra can of beans or a cup of cooked lentils. It’s still hearty, protein-rich, and full of flavor.

How spicy is this chili, and how can I adjust the heat?

The base recipe is mildly spicy, thanks to a dash of chili powder and optional cayenne. If you love things fiery, add extra cayenne or even a diced jalapeño. For a kid-friendly, milder version, leave the cayenne out entirely.

Can I use pre-cut or frozen butternut squash?

Yes, using pre-cut or frozen butternut squash saves time and works perfectly here. There’s no need to thaw the frozen squash first; just toss it in during the simmering step and cook until tender.

What’s the best way to meal prep this chili?

You can easily double the recipe for batch cooking, portion it into containers, and refrigerate or freeze as desired. It’s exceptionally convenient for lunches or busy weeknight dinners and actually gets better as the flavors meld.

What meat is best—turkey or beef—for Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef?

Both are delicious, but ground turkey makes for a lighter, leaner version, while ground beef adds a deeper, richer taste. If you can’t decide, mix half of each for a unique flavor twist!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something new and cozy, this Easy Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey or Beef will absolutely hit the spot. It’s packed with goodness, a breeze to make, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from the whole table. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill up with warmth, comfort, and maybe a few new chili fans too!

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