Chili is a classic meal as the weather starts to cool down. This time of year butternut squash is in season. Add squash to chili for a hearty and healthy dish this fall!
Red Bean & Butternut Squash Chili
INGREDIENTS
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 2 cups diced butternut squash (about ½ of a medium squash)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup or 1 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans
- 1 cup or 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
- 3 cups or 1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 small bunch cilantro, leaves and stems separated
- Shredded cheese and non-fat sour cream for topping (if desired)
DIRECTIONS
- Spray Dutch oven or large pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Peel and chop butternut squash into a medium dice (discard the skin and seeds) and set aside.
- Peel and dice onion.
- Place chopped onion and pepper in skillet.
- Cook ground beef and onion over medium heat in a non-stick skillet until meat is browned and onion is soft (about 5 minutes). Drain.
- Add butternut squash, undrained red kidney beans, undrained black beans, tomatoes, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, red chili flakes, and chopped cilantro stems to cooked ground beef and onions. Stir to mix well.
- Bring to a boil and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes. Stir several times to be sure chili is not sticking to the pot. (Temperature should reach 160°F.)
- Top with cheese and non-fat sour cream if desired. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
