The Ultimate Autumn Comfort: Delicious & Easy Turkey Butternut Squash Chili Recipe

There’s a special joy in revisiting old favorites, especially those recipes that hold a nostalgic place in your kitchen history. As seasons turn and the air grows crisp, my thoughts often drift back to the early days of sharing recipes, a time filled with close-up food photos (a rookie mistake!) and countless stories of life with a bustling toddler. This particular Turkey Butternut Squash Chili recipe, first shared way back in 2009, is one such gem. I remember remarking then, “How can it possibly be October already?” – a sentiment I surprisingly echoed just this morning!

Over the years, this chili has become a staple for many, with readers frequently telling me it’s earned a permanent spot in their regular cooking repertoire. Given its enduring popularity and the delightful memories it evokes, I knew it deserved a fresh look, a thoughtful update, and a more comprehensive guide for both new and returning enthusiasts.

Embrace Autumn Flavors: A Chili Bursting with Seasonal Goodness

Imagine the very essence of autumn captured in a single, steaming bowl. This chili does just that, bringing together the savory richness of turkey with the earthy sweetness of winter squash, the bright tang of tomatoes, and a surprising, delightful hint of apple. It’s a harmonious blend that celebrates the bounty of the season, creating a meal that is both incredibly comforting and wonderfully nutritious.

Originally, I prepared this recipe in a slow cooker back in 2009. While that method is still perfectly viable and excellent for busy days, I’ve since found myself gravitating towards the stovetop for its ability to develop deeper flavors more quickly. Both methods, however, yield fantastic results. (If opting for the slow cooker, remember you’ll need slightly less liquid overall, as less evaporates during the longer, contained cooking process.)

The Star Ingredients: Why They Work

Lean Ground Turkey: A healthier, lighter alternative to beef, ground turkey provides a satisfying protein base without feeling heavy. It absorbs the spices beautifully, making each spoonful flavorful.
Winter Squash (Especially Butternut): This is where the chili gets its signature autumn touch. Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor, adds incredible depth, creaminess, and a vibrant color. It’s also incredibly easy to handle and peel compared to other hard squashes, making prep a breeze. Feel free to experiment with other varieties like acorn or kabocha, but butternut remains my top recommendation for its texture and convenience.
Tomatoes: The classic chili base, diced or crushed tomatoes provide the essential tangy, umami-rich foundation that ties all the flavors together. They create a robust sauce that coats every ingredient.
Apples: This might sound unconventional for chili, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! A crisp, slightly tart apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) adds a subtle sweetness and bright acidity that elevates the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding another layer of autumnal complexity. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this chili truly unique.
Aromatics and Spices: Don’t underestimate the power of finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéed until fragrant, to build the foundational flavor. A generous blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat) creates that unmistakable chili warmth and aroma.

Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker Explained

Whether you prefer a quicker cook or a hands-off approach, this turkey butternut squash chili can be adapted to your schedule.

Stovetop Method (My Current Preference)

The stovetop method allows for excellent browning of the turkey and aromatics, which contributes significantly to the chili’s overall depth of flavor. This approach is ideal when you have a bit more time to actively cook and want to build layers of taste.

Brown the Turkey: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in your chosen spices, toasting them for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, tomatoes (diced or crushed), and any required liquid (broth or water). Bring to a simmer.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or up to an hour and a half, stirring occasionally. This allows the squash to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more developed the taste will be.

Slow Cooker Method (The Original Classic)

The slow cooker is perfect for those busy mornings when you want to prep a meal and let it cook throughout the day. The extended cooking time allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a wonderfully rich chili.

Brown (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, lightly brown the ground turkey and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the overall taste profile.
Combine Ingredients: Add the browned turkey, sautéed aromatics, cubed butternut squash, diced apples, tomatoes, spices, and a slightly reduced amount of liquid (compared to the stovetop method) to your slow cooker.
Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the squash is tender and the flavors have fully developed.

Tips for the Best Turkey Butternut Squash Chili

Don’t Skip Browning: Whether stovetop or slow cooker, browning the turkey and sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning is crucial for building a flavorful base. This caramelization adds significant depth.
Proper Squash Prep: Butternut squash can seem intimidating, but a sharp chef’s knife and a good vegetable peeler make quick work of it. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, then peel the skin before cubing. Uniform cubes will ensure even cooking.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and cayenne to your personal preference. For more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce at the end. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or omit it.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili towards the end of cooking. You might find it needs a little more salt, a touch more acidity (a squeeze of lime juice can work wonders), or an extra pinch of cumin.

Make-Ahead Magic: The Chili That Gets Better with Time

One of the most appealing aspects of this chili, like most good chilis, is that it tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to marry and deepen, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping. This means you can whip up a big batch on a Sunday and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout your busy week.

Storage and Freezing

This chili is incredibly versatile for make-ahead purposes:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: It freezes beautifully! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it an excellent option for new parents, busy friends, or anyone in need of a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Today, as the rain threatened to turn into a chilly slush, there was no greater comfort than having a pot of this vibrant, aromatic chili bubbling gently on the stove. And let’s be honest, I embrace any opportunity to enjoy a generous dollop of cool, tangy sour cream atop a steaming bowl of homemade chili. It’s the ultimate finishing touch, providing a creamy contrast to the robust flavors.

Serving Suggestions & Toppings Galore

While this chili is utterly delicious on its own, a thoughtful selection of toppings can elevate it to an even more delightful experience. Here are some of our favorites:

Classic Creaminess: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist) adds a cool, tangy contrast that chili craves.
Cheesy Goodness: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully into the hot chili.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
Avocado: Cubed or sliced avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the chili’s richness.
Crunch Factor: Crushed tortilla chips, a side of warm cornbread, or even some homemade croutons add a satisfying textural element.
A Zesty Finish: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can awaken all the flavors and add a refreshing zest.

Beyond the Bowl: Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Chili

Don’t let any of this delicious chili go to waste! Its robust flavor makes it incredibly versatile for repurposing into other meals:

Chili Cheese Fries or Nachos: Ladle hot chili over crispy French fries or tortilla chips, then top with plenty of shredded cheese and broil until bubbly.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Spoon chili into baked sweet potatoes or russet potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Chili Dogs or Burgers: Use it as a topping for hot dogs or hamburgers, adding a gourmet touch to classic comfort food.
Chili Mac: Combine leftover chili with cooked macaroni and a little extra cheese for a comforting twist on macaroni and cheese.
Chili Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of chili inside tortillas with cheese, then grill until golden and crispy.

This Turkey Butternut Squash Chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the season, create warmth in your kitchen, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or sharing it with loved ones, this updated classic is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary traditions. So go ahead, embrace the autumn chill, and let the comforting aroma of this incredible chili fill your home.