Easy Butternut Squash Chili (Print-Friendly Version)

Wholesome chili with squash, beans, corn, and a blend of spices – delicious with turkey or beef.

# Ingredients List:

→ Base Vegetables

01 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
02 - 120 grams chopped onions
03 - 75 grams chopped green bell peppers
04 - 75 grams chopped red bell peppers
05 - 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Protein

06 - 450 grams ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired)

→ Legumes & Vegetables

07 - 850 grams canned chili beans, drained (from two 425 gram, 15 oz, cans, or substitute preferred beans)
08 - 425 grams corn, canned, fresh or frozen
09 - 425 grams canned diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
10 - 120 millilitres broth (beef, chicken, vegetable, etc.)
11 - 600 grams butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-2 cm cubes
12 - 170 grams canned tomato paste

→ Seasoning

13 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
14 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
16 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
18 - 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then sauté onions, green peppers, and red peppers until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon or meat chopper to break it up. Sprinkle with chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in broth, drained chili beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilis, tomato paste, and cubed butternut squash.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and allow to simmer, stirring every 10 minutes, until squash is tender, approximately 35-40 minutes. If using pre-cooked squash, simmer only 15-20 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - You may substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
02 - Any type of beans can be used according to preference.
03 - A pre-mixed chili seasoning packet can replace homemade spice blend if more convenient.
04 - Add a small amount of sugar or sweetener if a sweeter flavor profile is preferred.
05 - The dish is not adapted or tested for pressure cookers or Instant Pots.

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