Hearty & Healthy Butternut Squash Turkey Chili: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight
The air is crisp, leaves are changing, and there’s a comforting chill that whispers of cozy evenings indoors. It’s officially chili season, and there’s truly nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to make everything feel right with the world. While classic beef chili holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes a lighter, equally satisfying option is exactly what we crave. That’s where this incredible Butternut Squash Turkey Chili comes in! It’s a delicious, filling, and spicy meal that’s also low in calories, making it a perfect healthy choice for any day of the week. Best of all, this easy recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, with only 10 minutes of active prep time!
If you’re anything like us, you can never have too many chili recipes. Each one offers a unique twist, a different flavor profile, or a special ingredient that makes it stand out. This butternut squash chili is undeniably a must-add to your rotation. It strikes a fantastic balance between savory and subtly sweet, thanks to the star ingredient – butternut squash – and offers a lean protein boost from ground turkey. It’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick family dinner or a cozy meal prep option.
Looking for more chili inspiration? Be sure to explore some of our other favorite chili recipes, like our simple Ground Beef and Beer Chili for a rich, robust flavor, our comforting Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Chili perfect for fall, and the unexpectedly delightful Chipotle and Chocolate Chili for a truly unique taste experience.
Why This Butternut Squash Turkey Chili Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. What makes this particular butternut squash turkey chili so special? Let’s break it down:
- Speed and Simplicity: In less than an hour, you can have a gourmet-tasting chili on your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Nutrient-Dense: Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Paired with lean ground turkey, this chili is incredibly healthy, promoting fullness and providing sustained energy.
- Flavorful and Filling: Despite being low in calories, this chili is incredibly satisfying. The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly balances the savory turkey and the kick from the jalapeño and chili powder. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
- Versatility: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, swap out ingredients, or pile on your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
The Magic of Butternut Squash in Chili
Butternut squash is often overlooked as a chili ingredient, but it’s truly a game-changer. When cooked, it becomes tender and slightly sweet, adding a creamy texture and depth of flavor that complements the robust spices of chili beautifully. It’s not just about taste; it also boosts the nutritional profile significantly. Butternut squash contributes a wonderful natural sweetness that can even help reduce the need for added sugars, while its vibrant orange color makes the dish visually appealing.
Lean & Flavorful: Ground Turkey
Opting for ground turkey instead of beef makes this chili lighter without sacrificing flavor or heartiness. Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and helps keep you feeling full longer. When properly seasoned, it absorbs the chili spices wonderfully, making for a delicious and healthy base. We brown it thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor development before combining it with the other ingredients.
Essential Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your chili from good to extraordinary:
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Sautéing the onion and jalapeño until translucent, and then stirring in the garlic until fragrant, builds the foundational flavors of your chili. This step is crucial for developing a rich taste.
- Brown the Turkey Properly: Ensure your ground turkey is thoroughly browned before adding other liquids and spices. This creates a deeper, more savory flavor profile. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cubed Squash Size: Cut your butternut squash into roughly 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch cubes. This size ensures it cooks evenly and becomes tender within the simmering time, without turning to mush.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 20 minutes (or longer if you have time!) lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more developed the taste will be.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: The provided spice measurements are a great starting point, but feel free to adjust them based on your preference. Love heat? Add a pinch more chili powder or leave some seeds in the jalapeño. Prefer it milder? Reduce the jalapeño or omit it entirely.
Serving Suggestions & Toppings
Chili is fantastic on its own, but the right toppings can transform it into an even more spectacular meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve and garnish your butternut squash turkey chili:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro (as suggested in the recipe) adds a bright, herbaceous contrast. Chopped green onions are also a great option.
- Creamy Additions: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can cut through the spice and add a creamy texture. A swirl of avocado cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) also works wonderfully.
- Crunchy Elements: Crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, or even a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) can add a satisfying crunch.
- A Hint of Freshness: Diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or a spoonful of fresh salsa can provide a burst of freshness.
- On the Side: Serve your chili with a side of warm cornbread, crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
Storage & Meal Prep Friendly
This butternut squash turkey chili is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Making a big batch of this chili on a Sunday means you’ll have wholesome, delicious meals ready to go throughout the busy week. It’s perfect for packing in lunchboxes or for quick dinners after a long day.
Butternut Squash Turkey Chili Recipe
Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion – diced
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 jalapeño – diced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 lb ground turkey – lean recommended
- 1 15- ounce can black beans – drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth – low sodium preferred
- 2 cups butternut squash – cubed (about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch)
- 1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes – undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add the ground turkey to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the turkey into small pieces. Cook for about 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is fully browned on all sides and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary, though lean turkey usually has very little.
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Stir in the drained black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, cubed butternut squash, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), and all the spices: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Gently combine all the ingredients, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
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Increase the heat to bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a deeper flavor, you can let it simmer longer, up to 30-40 minutes, adding a little more broth if it thickens too much.
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Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if desired. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro or your favorite chili garnishes, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcal |
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 26g |
Fat: 9g |
Fiber: 6g
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Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious chili:
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?
Absolutely! Using pre-cut butternut squash is a fantastic time-saver, especially if you’re aiming for a quick weeknight meal. Just make sure the cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of black beans or kidney beans, or even some crumbled firm tofu. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. For vegan, ensure all ingredients, including broth, are plant-based.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can easily adjust the spice level. Remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño, or omit it entirely. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder. Taste as you go and add spices incrementally.
How can I thicken my chili if it’s too soupy?
If your chili is too thin, you have a few options:
- Continue simmering uncovered for a bit longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.
- Mash some of the cooked butternut squash or beans against the side of the pot with a spoon to release starches and thicken the chili naturally.
- Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chili and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
What other vegetables can I add?
This chili is very forgiving! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers (any color), corn kernels, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. Add denser vegetables like sweet potatoes with the butternut squash, and softer ones like corn or zucchini during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the onion, jalapeño, and ground turkey on the stovetop first for best flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the squash is tender. You might need slightly less broth as less liquid evaporates in a slow cooker.
This Butternut Squash Turkey Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of warmth, nutrition, and pure comfort. It’s a testament to how healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, even on the busiest of days. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own – play with the spices, experiment with toppings, and discover your perfect bowl of fall and winter goodness!
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Post originally published on 11/29/2017 – updated 9/21/23 with new images and enhanced content.