SPICED BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHILI

Spiced Butternut Squash Chili image

I love how a hint of heat with a touch of sweetness from the Gustus Vitae spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds another layer of flavor to this contest-winning chili recipe from Jeanne Larson of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. -Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Food Editor

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
3/4 cup chopped red onion
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 to 2 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2 to 15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Gustus Vitae spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar
3 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Optional: Chopped avocado, plain Greek yogurt and shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef and onion, crumbling meat, until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes., Add next 5 ingredients; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in water, both types of beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and spicy chocolate cinnamon sugar. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Stir in squash; simmer, covered, until squash is tender, 20-25 minutes. Stir in vinegar. , If desired, serve with chopped avocado, Greek yogurt and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 18g protein.