Turkey Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash: A Hearty & Healthy Comfort Food

This Turkey Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash is a warm, cozy, and nutritious take on classic chili. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, creamy black beans, sweet butternut squash, and smoky spices, making it a protein-rich, fiber-filled meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or game day, this chili is easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and can be customized to fit your spice preference. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips, and you’ve got a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish!

Turkey black bean chili with butternut squash is a hearty, nutritious comfort food that’s perfect for any meal. The lean turkey, black beans, and butternut squash create a flavorful and filling dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. This chili is easy to make and great for meal prep, family dinners, or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re craving a healthy twist on classic chili or looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this dish will keep you satisfied. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious turkey black bean chili that will warm you up and fuel your day.

1. Why You’ll Love This Turkey Black Bean Chili

✔ Hearty and filling – Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.
✔ Rich and smoky flavor – A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates depth.
✔ Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – Perfect for different diets.
✔ Easy one-pot meal – Simple prep and minimal cleanup.
✔ Great for leftovers and meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!

If you love warm, comforting, and nutritious meals, this Turkey Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash is a must-try!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (balances flavors)

For the Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (enhances the butternut squash’s sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
3. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook for 3 more minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add the Butternut Squash and Seasonings

1. Add the diced butternut squash, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Stir well to coat everything in the spices and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth

1. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, Ro-Tel, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is tender.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Finish

1. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
2. Taste and adjust salt, spice, or acidity as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
2. Serve hot with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice.

4. Tips for the Best Turkey Black Bean Chili

✔ Sauté the spices before adding liquid – This enhances the depth of flavor.
✔ Let it simmer – The longer it cooks, the better the flavors develop.
✔ For thicker chili – Mash some of the butternut squash or beans.
✔ Make it spicier – Add more cayenne, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
✔ Use fire-roasted tomatoes – They add a natural smoky depth.

5. Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

• Slow Cooker Version – Brown the turkey first, then cook everything on LOW for 6–8 hours.
• Vegetarian Version – Skip the turkey and add extra beans, lentils, or quinoa.
• Extra Protein – Add chorizo or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Low-Carb Option – Reduce or omit butternut squash and use extra turkey and beans.
• Extra Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in the last 10 minutes.

6. What to Serve with Turkey Black Bean Chili

This chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs well with:

Side Dishes:

✔ Cornbread or biscuits
✔ Steamed rice or quinoa
✔ Crispy tortilla chips
✔ Simple green salad

Toppings for Extra Flavor:

✔ Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
✔ Sour cream or Greek yogurt
✔ Sliced avocado or guacamole
✔ Cilantro and fresh lime juice

Wine & Drink Pairing:

🍷 A light-bodied Zinfandel or Malbec pairs well with the smoky spices.
🍺 A cold lager or IPA balances the richness.
🥤 Lime-infused sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option.

7. Storing and Reheating

Refrigerating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

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FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Yes! 1 cup of canned pumpkin can replace butternut squash for a smoother texture.

2. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

3. How do I make chili less spicy?

Use mild Ro-Tel, skip the cayenne, and add a splash of milk or extra sour cream.

4. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Swap the turkey for ground beef or chicken.

5. How do I thicken my chili?

Mash some of the beans or squash, or let it simmer uncovered longer.

6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Not quite, but you can make it keto by removing the butternut squash and beans.

7. What’s the best type of beans to use?

Black beans work best, but kidney or pinto beans are great alternatives.

8. Can I add cocoa powder?

Yes! ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder adds a rich depth of flavor.

9. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the Sauté function, then pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

10. How do I make it extra smoky?

Use chipotle peppers in adobo or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.