Butternut Squash Chili

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 8 servings (2 quarts)
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Our contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 3/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3/4 to 2 cups water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14-1/2 to 15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash, (1/2-in. cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • Optional: Chopped avocado, plain Greek yogurt and shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef and onion, crumbling meat, until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add next 5 ingredients; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in water, both types of beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Stir in squash; simmer, covered, until squash is tender, 20-25 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
  3. If desired, serve with chopped avocado, Greek yogurt and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 261 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Recipe Creator

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