Spicy Turkey & Winter Squash Chili

When there's a mixture of rain and snow coming down outside, there's nothing cozier than a big bowl of spicy turkey chili!

The internet has thousands of chili recipes. I get it. But I've missed sharing recipes with you (other than a few over on Insta), and this one really hit the spot today. This chili is my own simplified version with fewer ingredients and minimal cook time. While I love and appreciate elaborate cooking that takes time and care, I've found simple recipes are true to my cooking style. Plus I enjoy cooking and sharing recipes that are easy and accessible for all of you! While it's great to share "fun" recipes with unique ingredients, I understand they may seem complicated or intimidating.

If you scroll past photos I share on Instagram and all I get is a "double tap" and no one ever cooks my recipes, what good is that? I'd rather keep things simple and accessible so you feel empowered to cook one of my recipes at home.

So let's dig into the recipe! You'll start by sauteing red onion, and butternut squash until tender, and then add ground turkey. Cooking with butternut squash can be a little intimidating, but once you get the hang of how to cut it properly, I think you'll enjoy cooking it more often. Don't let the squash's funny shape scare you away. Once the turkey browns then add fragrant seasonings, a chopped zucchini, black beans and let simmer in tomato sauce and broth.

The flavors balance out perfectly with heat of the chiles and natural sweetness of the butternut squash. Serve with any of your favorite chili toppings - green onion, cilantro, tortilla chips or cheese! I hope you'll reach for a bowl to warm and nourish you from the inside out.

Spicy Turkey & Winter Squash Chili

Serves:4-5

Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey
1 red onion, peeled & chopped
1 small butternut squash
1 zucchini, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
1-8oz can tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1-15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 Tbs chili powder (or more to taste)
2 Tbs ground cumin
2 tsp crushed red pepper
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

Begin by prepping all your veggies – red onion, garlic, zucchini, and butternut squash. If you’ve never chopped a squash, check out the tutorial in this post.
Place a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion, butternut squash to the pan until the veggies have started to soften about 6 minutes.
Add ground turkey and cook for an additional 5 minutes until almost cooked through.
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic, crushed red pepper and zucchini and cook for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add beans, broth, tomato sauce and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook gently for about 15 minutes.
Check for seasoning, adding more chili powder and salt as needed.