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Home » Recipes » Chicken

Butternut Squash Chili

Published: Feb 16, 2023 · Modified: Oct 10, 2023 by Debra Clark · 39 Comments

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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Chili is filled with big, warm spices. The cumin, chili powder and dry mustard add warm flavor. With loads of butternut squash, turkey and beans it balance the spices.

Next time try the Boilermaker Chili - it's amazing!

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!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Related recipes
  • Butternut Squash Chili
  • Recipe backstory

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ Using the instant pot makes this quick and easy.

✔️ Speaking of quick, canned beans are a great shortcut.

✔️ Great flavor and easy to make.

All the ingredients for butternut squash chili, diced squash and onions, stew meat and cans of beans and tomatoes with the Instant Pot.
I even sent this recipe to my Mom to give it a try!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • black beans or kidney beans
  • turkey meat or stew meat, use your favorite.
  • butternut squash
  • canned tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Start by sautéing the turkey meat in the Instant Pot.
  2. Add the diced vegetables.
  3. Season with the spices.
  4. Add the tomatoes and beans.
  5. Seal and let the Instant Pot do the work for you!
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!

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.

See how easy it is to make?

Related recipes

  • White Bean Turkey Chili
  • Green Chili Chicken Posole Recipe
  • Smokey Chipotle Chili
  • 30 Minute Chili Mac and Cheese

Do you love this recipe? Be sure to give it a five star rating below!

Bowl of Butternut Squash Chili with spoon.
4.65 from 14 votes

Butternut Squash Chili

This easy recipe has dinner on the table in a snap!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 130kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

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
  • ½ 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.

Notes

I've made this several times using both black beans and kidney beans. My preference is black beans, but either works!

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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 8235IU | Vitamin C: 36.1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2.3mg

    Recipe backstory

    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!)

    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.

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      4.65 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Richa Gupta says

      February 02, 2018 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      Looks amazing, perfect for the winter!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        February 04, 2018 at 2:03 pm

        Thanks Richa - I'd have to agree with you there - love a good pot of chili!!

        Reply
    2. Carolyn says

      February 02, 2018 at 5:45 pm

      This looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        February 04, 2018 at 2:03 pm

        Thank you Carolyn!

        Reply
    3. Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen says

      January 30, 2018 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of butternut squash in chili!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:47 am

        Wonderful! I hope you really enjoy it Lindsay!

        Reply
    4. Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

      January 30, 2018 at 10:40 am

      Butternut Squash in chili is the best!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:47 am

        Absolutely - such a great combination. Thanks Meagan!

        Reply
    5. Sandi says

      January 29, 2018 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:44 am

        I'm just loving my Instant Pot - best kitchen update in a long time!

        Reply
    6. Healing Tomato says

      January 28, 2018 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect time of the year to try butternut squash chili. Your recipe looks so warm and inviting.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 29, 2018 at 2:53 pm

        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! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Prairie Gal Cookin says

      March 15, 2016 at 10:28 am

      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/

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 15, 2016 at 1:24 pm

        Done and done! 😀 Just linked up to this weeks's party - thank you!

        Reply
    8. Elizabeth says

      March 07, 2016 at 7:18 am

      Gosh this recipe sounds so lovely! Love the flavours you've used. I must try this!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 08, 2016 at 9:46 am

        Thanks Elizabeth - if you do, please pop back by and let me know what you thought! Have a great day!!!

        Reply
    9. Debi at Life Currents says

      March 07, 2016 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 08, 2016 at 9:47 am

        Thanks Debi, we've sure enjoyed this chili - so yummy. Appreciate you stopping by!

        Reply
    10. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

      March 07, 2016 at 2:46 am

      Such a warming dish! I love butternut squash.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 08, 2016 at 9:48 am

        Me too, always love a new way to make it too!

        Reply
    11. Katerina says

      March 07, 2016 at 2:36 am

      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
    12. Manila Spoon says

      March 06, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing beats a delicious bowl of chili for cold wintry nights! Looks delicious!

      Reply
    13. Diane says

      March 06, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      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
    14. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says

      March 06, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      LOVE LOVE the sweet butternut in here, playing against the spice in the chili. YUM!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:39 pm

        Thanks Dorothy - I love the combination too!

        Reply
    15. Joanne/WineLady Cooks says

      March 06, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      I love adding squash to my chili as well, this is certainly comfort food you need this week.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        Yes, they go so perfectly together. Thanks Joanne!

        Reply
    16. Divya@Divya's Culinary Journey says

      March 06, 2016 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      This chilli is packed with flavor! Looks so delicious and hearty!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        Yum, yum, yum! Thanks Divya, perfect food to warm then belly!

        Reply
    17. Jennifer Johnson says

      March 05, 2016 at 10:13 am

      What a great flavor twist on chili.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        Thanks Jennifer!

        Reply
    18. Janette@CulinaryGinger says

      March 04, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love the sweet addition of the squash. A lovely hearty dish.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:41 pm

        Thanks Janette!

        Reply
    19. Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says

      March 04, 2016 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      Even though we live in Florida, we enjoy chili all year round. And yours looks so hearty and delicious...a must-try for sure!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 06, 2016 at 3:42 pm

        Awesome, I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! Have a GREAT week Linda!

        Reply
    20. Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says

      March 01, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      This looks sooooo good. I bet it put the final kabosh on that cold, too. Pinning.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        March 03, 2016 at 9:40 am

        So good, just loved it Christine, thank you!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »
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    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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