When I first tried making Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili, it was during one of those chaotic weeknights when I needed something hearty but simple. My family had been craving warmth and comfort after a chilly day, but the idea of juggling complicated recipes felt overwhelming. This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili felt like the perfect solution—it combined healthy ingredients with cozy, fall vibes and was surprisingly quick to put together.
I remember my kids’ initial skepticism about the squash, but their surprise when they actually loved the slightly sweet, tender chunks nestled in the savory turkey chili. That moment was such a win for me, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be tricky or boring. Since then, this healthy turkey chili recipe has become a family favorite. I find that it hits all the right notes: it’s nutritious, low carb, and packs enough flavor to keep everyone asking for seconds.
This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili always brings my family back to the kitchen table, even during the busiest weeks. Whether you’re facing the classic dinnertime struggle or just want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe fits beautifully. Fellow busy moms, if you’re seeking a cozy, straightforward comfort meal without the fuss, stick around—I’m sharing all my practical tips and tricks for making this butternut squash chili slow cooker style or stovetop, depending on your time and mood. Trust me, your family will thank you for this little comfort hack!
Now let’s talk about what goes into this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple lineup for Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili—nothing fancy, just real comfort on your plate:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean is best for a lower-fat, healthier turkey chili recipe)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (protein boost without fuss)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (adds that cozy savory base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water, if you want a lighter chili)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust for your taste buds)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for depth and warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but a game changer in this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional but makes it feel special)
Don’t worry if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand—I often swap it with a pinch of cinnamon for a subtler cozy flavor in my Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili. As a budget-friendly tip, frozen diced butternut squash works wonders too. It saves prep time and still adds that comforting sweetness we love!
You can find all these ingredients at your regular grocery store, so no need for specialty runs during your busy day. In a pinch, canned beans can be swapped for lentils or kidney beans, depending on your pantry and family preferences.
Here’s a comfort hack that’s been a lifesaver: I usually peel and dice the butternut squash ahead on a weekend and freeze it in portioned bags. This speeds up making my butternut squash chili slow cooker style midweek. Perfect for those nights when you want comforting food with minimal effort.
My family especially appreciates when I add an extra sprinkle of cumin and a squeeze of lime at the end—it makes this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili taste homemade and vibrant every single time.
Ready? Let’s make it happen!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step wakes up all the flavors and creates a cozy foundation for your Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If your kitchen is anything like mine, the welcoming smell of turkey browning is a small but crucial dinnertime win.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Let the spices toast lightly in the pan for about a minute—it really brings out their warm flavors in this easy weeknight chili.
- Add the diced butternut squash, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir. Now’s the perfect time to check your seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste—it’s comforting to know you’re tailoring this butternut squash chili slow cooker or stovetop recipe just right.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and lower the heat. Let it cook gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender. The slow bubbling brings everything together, turning simple ingredients into heartwarming comfort.
- While your Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili simmers, prep any sides or tomorrow’s packed lunches. Multitasking in the kitchen is a survival skill we all master!
- Give the chili a good stir and taste again—they say cooking is about adjusting flavors, and this is so true for a satisfying healthy turkey chili recipe. You might add a little more chili powder if your family likes it spicy or a splash of lime juice for freshness.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings or sides. Your kitchen should now smell like the perfect fall evening in a bowl!
If you’re curious about slow cooker options, you’ll love this healthy turkey chili slow cooker recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort hack when you have no time but want a fulfilling meal ready when the family walks in.
For a twist, try this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili recipe alongside another family pleaser like my chicken enchilada soup. It’s amazing to have a few go-tos that keep everyone happy with variety.
How We Love to Eat This!
My kids can’t get enough of this warm, nourishing Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili. I usually serve it with soft corn tortillas or crusty bread to soak up all that cozy sauce. It’s a perfect combo that helps little hands dig in happily.
For sides, I love pairing this chili with a simple green salad or roasted veggies—both bring balance without more fuss. These sides work great because they add freshness and make the meal feel pulled together without crowding busy mom schedules.
I’ve found this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili perfect for those hectic school nights or weekends when I want comfort food that’s quick and satisfying. It’s our go-to for fall chili recipes that don’t sacrifice anyone’s picky eater tolerances.
If you have leftovers—and there usually are some!—they make fantastic chili topping over baked potatoes or even mixed into scrambled eggs for a cozy breakfast. A total win.
One time, I served this chili at a small friendly get-together, and everyone asked for the recipe. It’s always a nice feeling when comfort food brings people closer. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my white chicken chili as well —another quick, cozy meal that’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! The turkey offers protein, and the butternut squash adds fiber and a bit of sweetness that kids often love. Plus, with beans in there, it keeps everyone satisfied and fueled for all their after-school chaos.
Try blending the cooked butternut squash into the chili for a smoother texture. You can also start by serving smaller portions alongside favorites. Sometimes, a little patience and repeated exposure turn resistance into requests.
Yes! It freezes really well. Portion it into airtight containers, and you’ll have a nutritious, comforting meal ready anytime. Perfect for hectic days when you need comfort food without the hassle.
Definitely! This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili is naturally low carb compared to traditional beef chilis thanks to the turkey and squash combo. Just skip any carb-heavy sides, and you’re set for a nourishing meal that feels lighter.
Yes! It’s perfect. Just toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Here’s a great butternut squash chili slow cooker recipe I’ve used when I want no-fuss comfort that cooks itself.
Chili powder and cumin are essentials, but for extra cozy flavor, smoked paprika or cinnamon add warmth. Adjust based on your family’s spice level to keep this healthy turkey chili recipe kid-friendly.
Buying frozen butternut squash and canned beans saves money and prep time. This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive! Grab simple spices from the bulk bin or small jars to avoid cost and waste.
I hope these answers help you feel more confident about trying this satisfying chili for your family.
Final Thoughts:
This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili has become a cornerstone for our family’s comfort food goals. It’s simple, adaptable, and full of warmth—everything we moms want when juggling the cozy chaos at home.
- Prep butternut squash in advance and freeze for quick meal assembly.
- Toast spices early in cooking for deeper flavors with less effort.
- Use chicken broth instead of water to boost savory depth without added salt.
We’ve tried a few variations too! My husband loves it with extra black beans for more protein. My picky daughter prefers a milder version with blended squash. And sometimes, I stir in some cooked quinoa to make it more hearty.
I encourage you to make this Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili your own way! Change up the spices, switch up protein sources, or play with toppings. The magic is in family-friendly comfort, not strict recipes.
For fellow comfort seekers, I hope this chili becomes a cozy mainstay at your table. Remember, simple comfort food is about feeding your family well and without stress, making every dinnertime a little win.
If you want more cozy dinner ideas, check out my squash casserole for another crowd pleaser, or try my chili cousins with chicken enchilada soup and white chicken chili.
This Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili isn’t just a recipe. It’s a hug in a bowl for your family when life feels like a whirlwind. You’ve got this!
Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
This hearty Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili blends lean turkey with sweet, tender butternut squash for a nutritious and flavorful twist on classic chili, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, coating the turkey evenly.
- Add diced butternut squash, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until squash is tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions.