My Butternut Squash Chili is going to fast become a favorite fall staple recipe. Loaded with typical chili flavor and the added nutrients and fiber in butternut squash, it is a perfect healthy option for any weeknight meal!
Serve this scrumptious chili recipe to your family with zero guilt! Loaded with protein, fiber, and vegetables it is a healthy vegetarian recipe everyone loves.
Butternut Squash Chili
I love chili, and especially a healthy vegetarian chili. Sometimes though, I want something more than just the chili with beans. There is some bulk missing, and that is why I have simply fallen in love with this butternut squash chili. The addition of the cubes of squash add both texture and bulk that is needed.
Is this a Vegan Chili Recipe?
As a matter of fact, yes it is! This is one of the things I love about this recipe. I know that when I make it, I can share with my vegan and vegetarian friends with zero guilt or worries about their dietary needs.
If preparing as a vegan dish, do make sure you check the ingredients on any canned goods. Sometimes canned beans will have “added flavor” that is meat based. Just do a quick glance to make sure you are not adding items that aren’t vegan to the dish.
My three bean vegetarian chili is also vegan as listed!
Can I Add More Spice to This Chili?
This butternut squash chili has both jalapeno and chili powder for spice elements. If you prefer a spicier chili recipe, there are many ways to add to the flavor. Additional diced jalapeno, larger amounts of chili powder, a bit of cayenne, or even the addition of red pepper flakes can all be good options. I’ve even added a jar of spicy salsa in place of the diced tomatoes with good results.
My slow cooker taco chili recipe is another option with a bit more heat than this, if you are looking for more ideas.
Can I Freeze Vegetarian Chili for Future Meals?
Yes! I love making large batches of chili because it is such an easy meal to portion for future meals and freeze. When freezing this chili recipe, I do prefer to freeze in individual 1-2 cup servings. The freezer soup storage containers are perfect for this.
You can also freezer larger portions in freezer storage bags. Just always make sure to double bag them to prevent any accidental leaks.
Thaw the butternut squash chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to your desired temperature.
One of my favorite freezer meals is my slow cooker turkey chili recipe!
Best Chili Toppings for Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Chili is so fun to make because it can be customized so easily. This butternut squash chili, while vegetarian, is no different. Toppings can vary depending upon the person eating it, but there are some pretty standard ideas that you should consider.
- Shredded cheese
- Diced onions or green onions
- Pickled jalapeno slices or fresh jalapeno slices
- Sour cream or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- Crackers, tortilla chips, cornbread, or cinnamon rolls (it’s a Midwest thing)
If you are serving to a vegan friend or family member, make sure to offer some plant-based options for toppings.
- Vegan “cheese” shreds
- Almond milk or tofu “sour cream”
Butternut Squash Chili Recipe
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Description
Butternut squash chili is a great vegetarian chili recipe. It’s the perfect chili recipe for fall, the whole family will love it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 diced red pepper
- 1 jalapeno (diced – optional)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce (14 oz can)
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1.5 cans of water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
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Heat oil in dutch oven
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Add squash, red pepper and garlic, cook until soft – about 3 minutes
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Add remaining ingredients to dutch oven
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Bring chili to simmer, cover and cook 20-30 min or until squash is tender
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Serve with tortilla strips, green onions, sour cream, cilantro
