Meet your new comfort food obsession: Butternut Squash Chili. This vibrant, hearty chili is brimming with sweet butternut squash, earthy beans, rich tomato, and a subtle warmth from chipotle and cinnamon that makes each bite deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight supper or looking for a plant-powered standout to share, this chili has you covered—it’s flavorful, wholesome, and guaranteed to win over meat-eaters and vegetarians alike!

Butternut Squash Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Butternut Squash Chili plays a starring role, contributing to its irresistible complexity and heartiness. Keep things simple with staples, and let their individual flavors shine for a chili that’s both easy to make and impossible to forget.

Olive oil: For sautéing onions and spices, adding depth and silkiness right from the start.
Yellow onions: Their natural sweetness becomes the backbone of the chili’s flavor as they soften and caramelize.
Garlic: A punch of aromatic, bold flavor that’s essential in setting a savory foundation.
Chili powder: The secret to that classic chili taste and a gentle heat in every spoonful.
Chipotle chili in adobo: Just one small pepper brings smoky depth and a whisper of spice—mince it fine for even heat.
Dried oregano: Earthy, herbal notes brighten up the chili and round out the spices.
Ground cumin: For that warm, nutty flavor that makes chili truly irresistible.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient, pulling all those big flavors together.
Crushed tomatoes: Their tang and richness create the perfect saucy base for our chili.
Black beans: Offer creaminess and earthy flavor—you’ll want to rinse them well for best results.
Pinto beans: Add contrasting texture and a mellow, slightly sweet taste to the mix.
Butternut squash: The star of the show, it becomes meltingly tender and slightly sweet as it cooks.
Cinnamon stick: Just a hint infuses the chili with subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering.

How to Make Butternut Squash Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Spices

In a medium-sized pan set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and swirl to coat. Toss in the diced onions, stirring every so often, until they’re soft, fragrant, and beginning to turn golden—about five minutes of patient stirring. Add the garlic, then sprinkle in your chili powder, minced chipotle, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir for about a minute, allowing those spices to wake up and bloom in the hot oil, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker

Transfer the beautifully fragrant onion mixture straight into your slow cooker. Now, it’s time for the stars: pour in the crushed tomatoes, toss in both black beans and pinto beans (don’t forget to rinse and drain them first), add your cubes of butternut squash, and tuck in the cinnamon stick. Layering everything together at this stage helps the flavors mingle as they gently cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Blissful

Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to Low for about 6 and 1/2 hours, or High for 3 and 1/2 hours—your patience will be rewarded! You’re looking for squash that’s meltingly tender but still holding its shape. Stir once or twice if you can, and breathe in that intoxicating scent as the Butternut Squash Chili transforms.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Fish out the cinnamon stick (its job here is done), then ladle your chili into bowls while it’s piping hot. This is the moment to add any garnishes and sides you like—so gather your favorite toppings, call everyone to the table, and serve up the perfect bowl of Butternut Squash Chili.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Chili

Garnishes

This chili is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Pile on sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, tangy pickled onions, or crunchy pumpkin seeds for color, texture, and layers of flavor. For a spicy kick, thinly sliced jalapenos will do the trick!

Side Dishes

Warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips are perfect partners to scoop up this comforting chili. A side salad tossed with lime juice and cilantro brings refreshing contrast, while a grilled cheese sandwich never hurts if you’re especially hungry.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Butternut Squash Chili into hollowed-out roasted squash halves for a dramatic touch at a dinner party. Or serve it in wide mugs for a fireside gathering—portable, fun, and extra cozy. Ladling over baked sweet potatoes or using it as a topping for nachos makes for unforgettable new spins on classic comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butternut Squash Chili keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, making it ideal for meal prep or easy weekday lunches. Let the chili cool completely, then move it into airtight containers; the flavors actually deepen and improve overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, divide cooled chili into freezer-safe portions and seal tightly. Label with the date, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results—this also makes it easy to grab just the right amount when those chili cravings hit.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Butternut Squash Chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For single servings, the microwave works just fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between rounds, to ensure even warming without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Butternut Squash Chili without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just use a heavy pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop—simmer over low heat, covered, for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. You’ll still get all that rich, slow-cooked flavor.

Is this chili spicy?

The level of spice is pretty gentle, thanks to just one chipotle chili. If you’re sensitive to heat (or cooking for kids), use less chipotle or skip it altogether. For more kick, add another chipotle or a pinch of cayenne to turn things up!

Can I add meat to this Butternut Squash Chili?

Definitely—feel free to brown ground turkey, chicken, or beef with the onions and garlic before transferring to the slow cooker. The chili is fantastic as written, but it’s easy to customize for any crowd.

What if I don’t have butternut squash?

You can substitute with sweet potatoes or acorn squash for a similar texture and sweetness. These swaps will still make for a hearty, colorful chili that’s just as satisfying.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this Butternut Squash Chili is perfect for a crowd! Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the extra volume; if not, use a large soup pot or make two batches. Leftovers are always a win here.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing a big pot of Butternut Squash Chili—warm, inviting, and full of bold, comforting flavors. So gather your ingredients, invite friends or family over, and let this recipe become a staple at your table. Can’t wait for you to take that first cozy spoonful!