My Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili takes traditional chili and kicks it up a notch with flavor and nutrition. It's the perfect game day dish!
There’s something so comforting about curling up with a piping hot bowl of chili on a cold day. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or feeding a crowd on Super Bowl Sunday, a hearty bowl of chili is always sure to be a hit!
My Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili uses lean ground turkey, butternut squash, and protein-packed black beans, which are simmered together in a smoky sauce with a bit of heat. I love using butternut squash in this dish because its natural sweetness nicely complements the spices in the chili. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, especially Vitamin A. One cup of cooked squash has 457% of the recommended daily allowance!
I use chipotles in adobo in my chili because I love their amazing flavor. Chipotles are canned, smoked jalapeño peppers and they add a delicious smoky heat to dishes. I would recommend buying a can for this recipe but if you don’t have them, you can substitute chili powder.
If you’re serving this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili for a crowd, I would suggest setting out a whole bunch of toppings so that everyone can top their chili with their favorite ingredients. Some of my favorite toppings are Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, cilantro leaves and sliced scallions. This time, I topped my bowl with avocado and my new favorite cheese, Cabot Alpine Legacy Collection Cheddar Cheese. A cheddar cheese with hints of Swiss and Parmesan, it has a nutty flavor and creamy texture that melts perfectly on a piping hot bowl of chili. Happy eating!
Looking for more game day recipes? Check out my Super Bowl Recipe Round Up.
More Game Day Recipes
- Game Day Guacamole
- Ultimate Chicken Quesadillas
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Little Italy Meatballs Sliders
- Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
- Tropical Fish Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon chipotles in adobo, seeded and chopped*
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 ½ cups, 20 oz)
- 2 (15 oz) cans low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped plus extra for garnish
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, diced avocado, diced tomato, sliced scallions
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or wide-based pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook 4-5 minutes until partially softened. Add the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into pieces. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir in the chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and allspice. Add the butternut squash, beans, tomatoes, broth, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes, then uncover and cook another 15 minutes or until chili is thickened and squash is cooked through. Stir in the cilantro.
- Garnish chili with cilantro. Serve with any desired toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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Anne Clark says
Such an awesome looking recipe (and your pics are great too)! I love butternut squash, but sometimes have a hard time finding a good recipe for it. Your's looks great! Thanks for sharing!
Lynn says
Hello Sonali, I just discovered your lovely site and made this chili tonight. It was delicious! I saw allspice in the instructions, but not in the ingredient list. I added 1/4 tsp., but it could stand more. How much did you have in mind? Thank you for this wonderful resource.
sonaliruder says
Thanks for catching that! So glad you liked the dish! I edited the ingredients to include 1/4 teaspoon allspice, which is what I use, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon if you'd like a stronger flavor.
Farrah says
I don't know why I've never put butternut squash in chili but that's a genius idea and will probably be next week's meals after I finish all the free food I managed to score on Friday! ;P! This looks amazing! <3
Kris ~ Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies says
I love a good bowl of chili, and I know this one would make me happy. I agree on chipotles being a great part of a chili recipe.
Ann -- The Fountain Avenue Kitchen says
I'll have my with avocado and cheese, too! Looks fabulous! 🙂
Kristy from Southern In Law says
I've never added butternut squash to chili before but now I really, really need to try it! Yum!
Nettie Moore says
Your chili looks scrumptious! Love the butternut squash and Cabot Alpine Cheddar Cheese!
Deanna says
Mmmm this looks so yummy!
Sarah says
I LOVE the chili that has butternut squash or sweet potato in it! So much flavor, color, and so filling!
Lynn Elliott Vining says
Wow! This looks delicious!
Rebecca says
LOOOOOOOVE butternut squash in soup! this looks delish
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
This looks absolutely delicious Sonali! I love butternut squash in chili and the avocado on top is the perfect way to finish it off!
usha says
we love anything with butternut squash. Healthy, simple to prepare and tasty. Thanks.
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Sounds so comforting and perfect for enjoying during Super Bowl commercials 🙂