Whether you use your Instant Pot or stove top this Butternut Squash Chili is sure to please! It is filled with big, warm spices. The cumin, chili powder and dry mustard add big flavor – not hot – but warm and bold. Loads of butternut squash, turkey and beans balance out the spices. Brown sugar gives it just the right amount of sweetness!
Butternut Squash Chili – whether you make it in the Instant Pot or stove top, this chili has great flavor and is a terrific meal!
I have been working hard on Instant Pot Recipes for the website. Some recipes are starting from scratch, some recipes, like this one for chili with butternut squash is a recipe that has been on the blog for a while but needed an update.
The Instant Pot is the perfect way to update this recipe!
When I say I’ve been working hard, I mean I’ve have been making the recipes several times. IP (Instant Pot) cooking is fairly new to me and may be new to you also – like Goldilocks I want to make sure I get it just right! 💁♀️
I even sent this recipe to my Mom to give it a try!
My Mom is a recent convert to Instant Pot cooking also. I’ve been sending my recipes to her to try before sharing them with you. My folks have certainly enjoyed their Instant Pot cooking!
Dad is the other camera nut in the family (I come about it honestly, I swear!) and he posted this picture on Facebook the other day. He actually got in a debate with another asking WHY there were beans in this chili? And WHAT are you doing with all that cheese? (that isn’t cheese, it is squash!)
Big hearty and flavorful, this chili is full of rich delicious flavor!
Butternut squash in chili? Sure, why not! People feel pretty strong about their chili so I’m calling this a healthier version of chili. Here’s what you’ll need.
Butternut Squash Chili – grocery list
- turkey meat
- black beans or kidney beans
- butternut squash
- canned tomatoes
I would be amiss not to mention if you’re looking for a great side dish to serve with this chili, my skillet cornbread…. now there’s a great choice! It’s super easy to make and a cast iron skillet makes for a great crust all over the chili!
Now when it comes to this chili, whether you make it in the Instant Pot or on the stove top, this is a great chili and a delicious meal.
Butternut Squash Chili – directions
- Start by sautéing the turkey meat in the Instant Pot
- Add the diced vegetables
- Season with the spices
- Add the tomatoes and beans
- Seal and let the Instant Pot do the work for you!
See how easy it is to make?
Tailgating, cozy weekends or a busy weeknight meal making butternut squash chili in the Instant Pot makes this a great meal!
Do you love this recipe? Be sure to give it a five star rating below!
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Chili is filled with big, warm spices – cumin, chili powder and dry mustard it gives a pow of bold flavor. Loads of butternut squash, turkey and beans balance out the spices. A hint of brown sugar gives it just the right amount of sweetness!
Butternut Squash Chili
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Chili - Filled with big, warm spices like cumin, chili powder and dry mustard it gives a pow of flavor - not hot, but big and bold. Loads of butternut squash, turkey and beans balance out the spice. Brown sugar gives it just the right amount of sweetness!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups butternut squash
- 1 bell pepper diced, I used red bell pepper
- 1 sweet yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 14 oz can black beans* undrained - I've used both black beans & kidney beans.
- 1 28 oz. can peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon to 1 salt to taste at the end of cooking
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions - Turn the IP to saute, when hot add the ground turkey and brown.
While it is cooking dice the onion, bell pepper. Peel and dice the squash.
When the meat is browned, add the onion, bell pepper & squash to the stock pot. Also add the spices - cumin, chili powder, yellow mustard & black pepper.
Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, sauté for another minute.
Next Add the black beans, canned tomatoes and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Change setting to chili/beans. Add the lid and seal. Set timing to 15 minutes
Quick release when done. Stir and serve
Stove Top Directions - In a large stock pot over medium heat, brown the ground turkey. While it is cooking dice the onion, bell pepper & squash.
When the meat is browned, pour off any excess fat - then add the onion, bell pepper & squash to the stock pot. Also add the spices - cumin, chili powder, ground mustard & black pepper. Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, sauté for another minute.
Next Add the beans, canned tomatoes and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 45 minutes - stirring occasionally.
Recipe Notes
I've made this several times using both black beans and kidney beans. My preference is black beans, but either works!
If you love chili as much as I do, be sure to check out these recipes!
Love a great chili? Then it’s time to make some Tailgate Chili! Full of spicy sweet flavor it one of our favorite meals!
Tailgate chili is an easy meal and a great hearty bite to enjoy during tailgate season or on the weekend. This is a delicious bowl of chili that’s easy to make and delicious to enjoy!
Midwestern Style Chili from Restless Chipotle
Here’s a delicious Midwestern Style Chili from Restless Chipotle – full of ground beef, beans, and macaroni in a rich flavorful broth this is a satisfying bowl of chili!
White Bean Turkey Chili
Scoop up a big serving of white bean turkey chili. It is hearty, flavorful and filling! Great on a cold winter’s night and feeds a crowd.
This looks sooooo good. I bet it put the final kabosh on that cold, too. Pinning.
So good, just loved it Christine, thank you!
Even though we live in Florida, we enjoy chili all year round. And yours looks so hearty and delicious…a must-try for sure!
Awesome, I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! Have a GREAT week Linda!
I love the sweet addition of the squash. A lovely hearty dish.
Thanks Janette!
What a great flavor twist on chili.
Thanks Jennifer!
This chilli is packed with flavor! Looks so delicious and hearty!
Yum, yum, yum! Thanks Divya, perfect food to warm then belly!
I love adding squash to my chili as well, this is certainly comfort food you need this week.
Yes, they go so perfectly together. Thanks Joanne!
LOVE LOVE the sweet butternut in here, playing against the spice in the chili. YUM!
Thanks Dorothy – I love the combination too!
Oh you poor thing! I’m glad you’re better now. I got a visual on your hubby’s retreat to the kitchen surgery. LOL! I hope he escaped unscathed.
This chili sounds perfect for a tastebud re-awakener. I love that is has both hamburger and sausage. Thats a winning combo in my book! This recipe pretty much has everything I can think of to make a perfect bowl of warm comforting chili!
Nothing beats a delicious bowl of chili for cold wintry nights! Looks delicious!
Butternut squash is about the only type of squash we have in Greece! I love new delicious recipes like this one to add to my recipe box!
Such a warming dish! I love butternut squash.
Me too, always love a new way to make it too!
This looks awesome! I love the adding butternut squash, not only for flavor, but texture and health! These are some awesome flavors you have here! Yum!
Thanks Debi, we’ve sure enjoyed this chili – so yummy. Appreciate you stopping by!
Gosh this recipe sounds so lovely! Love the flavours you’ve used. I must try this!
Thanks Elizabeth – if you do, please pop back by and let me know what you thought! Have a great day!!!
Hey, Debra! Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks so much for linking up over at Sunday’s Simple Homemaker! Please feel free to drop in and leave a different link or two on this week’s link-up, would love to have you! http://www.prairiegalcookin.com/sundays-simple-homemaker-3rd-weekly-link-up/
Done and done! 😀 Just linked up to this weeks’s party – thank you!
This is the perfect time of the year to try butternut squash chili. Your recipe looks so warm and inviting.
I tell ya I’m always up for a bowl of chili! I’m crediting beans with my weight loss success – so filling and satisfying! 🙂
Wow, I love that you updated this recipe by using an Instant Pot…I LOVE how much quicker dinner is on the table with a pressure cooker!
I’m just loving my Instant Pot – best kitchen update in a long time!
Butternut Squash in chili is the best!
Absolutely – such a great combination. Thanks Meagan!
I love the idea of butternut squash in chili!
Wonderful! I hope you really enjoy it Lindsay!
This looks fantastic!
Thank you Carolyn!
Looks amazing, perfect for the winter!
Thanks Richa – I’d have to agree with you there – love a good pot of chili!!
I made this the other day and was very easy and very very good. My family loved it.
GREAT!! Thanks for swing back and letting me know Lois! This chili freezes really well too, I just took some out of the freezer and we enjoyed it last night. Thank you again!!