Butternut Squash Chili With Beef
I’ve developed more than 1,000 recipes over the years, so I know a good pot of chili needs layers of flavor, not just a bunch of ingredients thrown into a pot. This one is hearty and well-seasoned, with the butternut squash adding something different without taking away from everything you already love about classic beef chili. If you're looking for a thick, filling bowl of chili with tender chunks of squash and plenty of bold flavor in every spoonful, this is the ONE!
Servings 8 cups
Calories 286kcal
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- ½ cup chopped red peppers
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 30 oz canned chili beans Drained. I used 2 15oz cans.
- 15 oz corn Canned, fresh, or frozen.
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes and chilis Drained.
- ½ cup broth Beef, Chicken, Vegetable, etc.
- 4 cups butternut squash Peeled and seeded chopped into cubes about ½-1 inch thick.
- 6 oz canned tomato paste
Homemade Chili Seasoning (You can also use a store-bought chili packet if you wish).
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large stock pot on medium high heat. When hot, add the olive oil, chopped onions, green peppers, and red peppers.
- Saute for a few minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add in the minced garlic and stir.
- Add in the ground beef. Use a meat chopper and break down the ground beef.
- Season the beef with the chili spices and seasoning. Stir until the ground beef has fully cooked or for about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the broth, beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chilies, tomato paste, and cubed squash to the pot. Stir.
- Adjust the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer until the squash is soft, for about 35-40 minutes. Check in every 10 minutes and stir.If using cooked and roasted squash the cook/simmer time is only 15-20 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, ground beef, whatever you like, or omit the meat.
- You can use any beans you prefer for this recipe.
- Instead of making your own seasoning, you can use a chili packet if you wish.
- Feel free to add sugar or sweetener to the chili if you like it sweet.
- This recipe has not been tested with an Instant Pot.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g