A Cozy Night In: Butternut Squash + Turkey Chili
If you live in Atlanta, you know the drill. One minute it’s 60 and sunny, the next we’re bundled up like it’s the Arctic and everyone’s acting shocked again.
The last few days have been bitterly cold by Southern standards. No snow to justify it, no sledding payoff, just freezing temps and kids staring out the window asking when snow is supposed to start falling. Which is how we landed on a cozy night in, a pot of chili on the stove, and a meal my kids happily cleaned their bowls of, despite the lack of snow to draw them outside.
This butternut and turkey chili with white beans has become one of those recipes that just makes sense on nights like these. Warm, comforting, and easy enough to pull together when everyone’s cold, hungry, and a little dramatic. It’s the kind of meal that feels even better served in a bowl you don’t have to baby.
Why this Chili Works
- Ground turkey keeps it lean and satisfying without feeling heavy
- Butternut squash adds subtle sweetness and depth
- White beans make it heart-healthy and filling
- Spiced pepitas and queso fresco make it feel just special enough
- It’s familiar comfort food with a little something extra.
Butternut Squash + Turkey Chili
Recipe by Garnish & Gather
Serves 2
(Double all ingredients if serving 4)
Ingredients:
Spiced Pepitas
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Chili Spice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
Chili Base
- Olive oil
- 8 ounces ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups diced butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3/4 cup poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Queso fresco, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Toast the Pepitas
In a large pot (one you’ll use for the chili later), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add pepitas, smoked paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prep the Remaining Ingredients
Seed and chop the poblano pepper. Chop cilantro. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Cut lime into wedges.
- Brown the Turkey
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 5 to 8 minutes, breaking it up until fully browned. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Chili Base
Add butternut squash, onion, garlic, and poblano pepper to the pot. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, cooked turkey, cannellini beans, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, until squash is tender.
- Finish and Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with spiced pepitas, sour cream, queso fresco, cilantro, and lime.
How We Serve It
This is very much a stay-in, sweatpants-encouraged kind of meal. I serve it family-style with toppings on the table so everyone can build their own bowl. You could easily swap in another ground meat if you prefer, but the turkey keeps this chili cozy without feeling heavy.
And the best part? It reheats so well. We’ve been warming it up for easy lunches and repeat dinners, which is a win on cold days when no one wants to think too hard about the next meal. If you’re meal prepping, this chili is even better the next day.
Cooking with Garnish & Gather
The only way to make this meal even simpler is to order it through Garnish & Gather, where spices and vegetables come perfectly portioned, cutting prep time nearly in half.
View their current menu.
https://bit.ly/4pY19ab
Orders must be placed by midnight on Thursday for Atlanta metro delivery or pickup.
New customers can use code EHDesigns for $10 off their first order.
Cozy Nights Deserve the Right Bowl
If you’re pinning this recipe for later, this is your sign to upgrade the bowl you’ll serve it in. I created Elizabeth Hamilton Designs for meals exactly like this. Cozy, repeatable, and real life tested. Dishwasher safe and made to look just as good on night three as it did on night one.
🛍️ Shop the bowls I use for this recipe and elevate your next cozy night in. 🤍
xo,
miriam
