39 Mind-Blowing Butternut Squash Chili Ideas That Will Change Your Dinner Game!

Are you ready to elevate your dinner routine with a twist on a classic favorite? Butternut squash chili is the perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating, making it an irresistible choice for any meal.

Whether you’re a vegan enthusiast or just looking to add more plant-based options to your kitchen, these 39 unique butternut squash chili recipes will inspire your culinary creativity and tantalize your taste buds.

Classic Butternut Squash Chili

This hearty chili combines roasted butternut squash with black beans, tomatoes, and a medley of spices for a comforting classic. Topped with avocado slices and cilantro, it’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp chili powder; salt to taste. Cook onions and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until squash is tender.

Vegan Butternut Squash Chili with Quinoa

Packed with protein and fiber, this vegan chili features quinoa, bell peppers, and butternut squash simmered in a rich tomato broth. The addition of jalapeños gives it a spicy kick!

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, 1 bell pepper, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 medium butternut squash, 2 jalapeños, chopped; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic. Sauté onion and garlic, add other ingredients, and simmer until quinoa is fluffy.

Smoky Chipotle Butternut Squash Chili

This chili takes on a smoky flavor profile with the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of butternut squash. It’s a bold twist that will excite your palate.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo; 1 can kidney beans; 1 onion; 1 can diced tomatoes. Cook onion, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and chipotle. Simmer to blend flavors.

Butternut Squash Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Combining sweet potatoes with butternut squash enhances the sweetness and adds a unique texture to the chili. This delightful dish is both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 sweet potato; 1 can black beans; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 can diced tomatoes; cumin and chili powder. Sauté onion and garlic, add chopped squash and sweet potato, then add remaining ingredients and simmer.

Creamy Butternut Squash Chili

For those who love a creamy texture, this butternut squash chili is pure bliss. Blending squash into a creamy base with coconut milk not only adds richness but also a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can coconut milk; 1 can chickpeas; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 can diced tomatoes; curry powder. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, chickpeas, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Blend until smooth for a creamy finish.

Butternut Squash and Lentil Chili

This protein-packed chili blends butternut squash with hearty lentils, making it a filling meal that’s also incredibly healthy. The lentils absorb the flavors beautifully, creating a rich dish.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 cup lentils; 1 onion; 2 carrots; 2 cloves garlic; 1 can diced tomatoes; cumin. Sauté vegetables, add lentils and squash, then tomatoes and spices. Simmer until lentils are tender.

Butternut Squash Chili with Corn

Adding corn to butternut squash chili introduces a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the creamy squash. This colorful dish is delightful and nutritious.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can corn; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic; chili powder. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, corn, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer and serve hot.

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

This chili combines the creaminess of butternut squash with the hearty texture of black beans, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic; cumin, chili powder. Sauté onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until heated through.

Spicy Butternut Squash Chili with Peppers

This chili packs a punch with a variety of peppers, including bell peppers and jalapeños. The butternut squash adds sweetness to balance the heat.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 bell pepper; 2 jalapeños; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; chili powder. Cook onion, add peppers and squash, then tomatoes and spices. Simmer until flavors meld.

Butternut Squash Chili with Kale

This nutritious chili incorporates kale for an extra boost of greens. The combination of butternut squash and kale makes for a hearty and healthy meal.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 2 cups kale; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; chili powder. Sauté onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and kale. Simmer until kale is tender.

Butternut Squash and Mushroom Chili

This unique chili blends the earthiness of mushrooms with the sweetness of butternut squash, creating a rich and comforting dish. Perfect for mushroom lovers!

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 2 cups mushrooms; 1 can black beans; 1 onion; garlic; chili powder. Sauté onion and garlic, add mushrooms and squash, then beans and spices. Simmer until all ingredients are cooked through.

Butternut Squash Chili with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzling balsamic glaze over your butternut squash chili adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. It’s a gourmet twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can kidney beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; balsamic glaze. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and drizzle with balsamic. Simmer and serve.

Butternut Squash Chili with Coconut Curry

Infusing coconut curry flavors into butternut squash chili creates a delightful fusion of tastes. This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can coconut milk; 1 can chickpeas; 1 onion; garlic; curry powder. Sauté onion and garlic, add squash, chickpeas, curry powder, and coconut milk. Simmer and enjoy the rich flavor.

Butternut Squash Chili with Cilantro Lime Rice

Serve your butternut squash chili over a bed of cilantro lime rice for a refreshing twist. The zesty rice complements the sweetness of the chili perfectly.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; cilantro; lime. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Serve over cilantro lime rice.

Butternut Squash Chili with a Cornbread Crust

Take your chili game to the next level with a cornbread topping. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a crunchy contrast to the smooth chili beneath.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can kidney beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; cornbread mix. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Top with cornbread batter and bake until golden.

Butternut Squash Chili with Pesto

For a gourmet touch, stir in basil pesto before serving your butternut squash chili. The fresh flavors elevate the dish, making it a standout meal.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; basil pesto. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and stir in pesto before serving.

Butternut Squash Chili with Cashew Cream

Top your butternut squash chili with homemade cashew cream for a rich and creamy finish. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually stunning.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can kidney beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; cashews. Soak cashews, blend with water for cream. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, and tomatoes. Serve with cashew cream.

Butternut Squash Chili with Feta Cheese

Feta cheese adds a salty creaminess that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of butternut squash chili. This unexpected twist will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; feta cheese. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and top with crumbled feta before serving.

Butternut Squash Chili with Spinach

Incorporating fresh spinach into your butternut squash chili adds a burst of color and nutrients. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; fresh spinach. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and stir in spinach just before serving.

Butternut Squash Chili with Almonds

For added crunch and flavor, top your butternut squash chili with toasted almonds. This simple addition elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash; 1 can kidney beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; garlic; sliced almonds. Cook onion and garlic, add squash, beans, tomatoes, and top with toasted almonds.

Conclusion

Butternut squash chili is a versatile and healthy option that can be tailored to suit any palate. With these 39 mind-blowing ideas, you’ll never run out of delicious inspirations for your dinner table.

Try experimenting with different flavors and toppings to make each bowl unique, and don’t forget to share your chili creations with friends and family!