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Delicious recipes that (most times!) end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over. My goal is to inspire you, making meal time more fun and less complicated!

Butternut Squash Chili

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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!

A bowl full of chili with butternut squash, beans and turkey meat. It's surrounded by a stack of cornbread.

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! 💁‍♀️

All the ingredients for butternut squash chili, diced squash and onions, stew meat and cans of beans and tomatoes stacked int he background with the Instant Pot ready to use.

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!)

A close-up picture of a bowl of squash chili with a serving of cornbread.

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?

Two bowls of chili with a couple servings of cornbread on the side.

Tailgating, cozy weekends or a busy weeknight meal making butternut squash chili in the Instant Pot makes this a great meal!

More great chili recipes!

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!

5 from 11 votes
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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!

Course Soups and Stews
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
Calories 130 kcal
Author Souper Chef Deb

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

  1. Instant Pot Directions - Turn the IP to saute, when hot add the ground turkey and brown.

  2. While it is cooking dice the onion, bell pepper. Peel and dice the squash.

  3. 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. 

  4. Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, sauté for another minute.

  5. Next Add the black beans, canned tomatoes and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.

  6. Change setting to chili/beans. Add the lid and seal. Set timing to 15 minutes

  7. Quick release when done. Stir and serve

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!

Nutrition Facts
Butternut Squash Chili
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 130 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 78mg 3%
Potassium 540mg 15%
Total Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin A 164.7%
Vitamin C 43.7%
Calcium 6.2%
Iron 12.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you love chili as much as I do, be sure to check out these recipes!

A hearty bowlful of chili with a big spoonful ready to gobble up!

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!

A yellow mug filled to the brim with midwestern style chili.

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!

A white mug filled with white bean turkey chili. There's a spoonful of chili ready to take a bite!

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.

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Comments


  8. 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!

    Reply

  10. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!!

      Reply

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Meet Souper Chef Deb

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties and in the summer help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Learn More . . .