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Butternut Squash Turkey Sausage Chili

Need a chili recipe that doesn’t take all day to cook? This butternut squash turkey sausage chili is the perfect game-day chili recipe. Packed full of sweet butternut squash, savory turkey sausage, and a creamy chili base. You’ll love this simple chili recipe!

Are you looking for a hearty chili recipe that doesn’t take all day to make?

Well, this butternut squash turkey sausage chili is just what you need!

This baby cooks up in just about 20 minutes and results in a creamy chili recipe packed full of veggies and delicious turkey sausage.

My favorite part about this recipe is the shortcut to just crumble up pre-cooked turkey breakfast sausage. It’s so quick and easy and makes cooking up this big pot of chili even easier.

Trust me, if you have ever wanted all the flavor of a long all-day cooked soup but without all the work – this is the recipe for you!

What is the best turkey sausage to use?

For this recipe, I used pre-cooked turkey breakfast sausage patties that I crumbled up into bite-size pieces.

You could also cut up links if you want round slices instead of crumbles of meat.

If you want to use fresh sausage that requires cooking you’ll want to do that first and then brown the vegetables with the meat mixture.

Just note that if you go this route you’ll be adding a little more time to your preparation.

Can I use a different squash?

You can easily use a different squash but you’ll still want to use something hearty that is similar to butternut squash.

Some great options are honeynut squash, acorn squash, kabocha squash, or fresh cubed pumpkin.

You would not want to substitute the butternut squash with a summer squash like zucchini.

Can I use a different green than kale?

Yes, but the main reason I like kale here is that it holds up well to being in soups.

It still keeps its texture without getting slimy or too overcooked.

If you don’t like curly kale try using flat kale like dinosaur/lacinato kale.

Some other delicious options would be spinach, swiss chard, collard, or mustard greens.

Why does this chili recipe use heavy cream?

I know it seems odd to add a splash of heavy cream to chili but this gives this chili a richness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the squash.

It’s just a hint of creaminess that I guarantee you’ll love!

In fact, I have another chili recipe coming up soon with added heavy cream and it’s HEAVINLY!

How do I store leftovers of chili?

After your chili has cooled you’ll want to store any leftover chili in an airtight container and eat within 3 days.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, but it will have some effect on the texture of the vegetables.

The squash, carrots, and kale might become much softer after the frozen soup is defrosted.

In terms of taste, it will taste great but the vegetables will be much softer than when freshly prepared.

Love this butternut squash turkey sausage chili recipe?

Why not try a few of my other delicious chili recipes?

Butternut Squash Turkey Sausage Chili

Author: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
  • 2 cups diced butternut squash
  • 1 15.5 ounce can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 10 ounce package fully cooked turkey sausage patties, crumbled
  • 2-1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups chopped kale

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a large stockpot or dutch oven set over medium heat. 
  • Add the onion, carrot, and celery and saute for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 
  • Next, add the garlic and thyme and cook for an additional minute. 
  • Add the butternut squash, great northern beans, turkey sausage, and chicken stock. 
  • Bring the chili to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. 
  • Add the heavy cream and chopped kale and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the kale is wilted. 
  • Serve the chili topped with your favorite garnishes.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 504mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 7g
Course Soup
Keyword butter squash chili, butternut squash turkey sausage chili, easy chili recipes, quick chili recipe, turkey chili recipe, turkey sausage chili
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Butternut Squash Turkey Sausage Chili pin for pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Debbie

Saturday 12th of November 2022

Fantastic recipe! Adding it into my regular menu. Works great with pork sausage. Next time gonna try it with coconut cream for my dairy-free family members.

Amy Nash

Tuesday 26th of October 2021

It was raining here yesterday and this soup was the perfect thing for our dinner! The flavors were amazing, it came together really easily, and everybody loved it!

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