Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food You’ll Love
Servings
8
Prep time
20 minutes
Cooking time
4 hours
Let’s be honest — when the weather turns cold, adulting gets 10 times harder. Your to-do list is endless, daylight disappears before dinner, and you’re expected to feed yourself something other than takeout. Enter your new fall hero: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili — the one-pot wonder that practically cooks itself while you get your life together.
This recipe checks all the boxes: hearty, healthy, deliciously satisfying, and ridiculously easy. Think tender chunks of sweet butternut squash, rich beans, vibrant peppers, and warm spices all slow-simmered into a cozy, spoon-hugging masterpiece. It’s like a sweater for your soul — except it smells way better.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
If you’re looking for a recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (without actually requiring much effort), this is it.
- Effortless prep: Toss everything in the slow cooker, press a button, and go about your day.
- Nutrient-packed: Butternut squash is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants — basically the veggie version of self-care.
- Diet-friendly: Easily make it vegan, paleo, or protein-packed depending on your mood.
- Meal-prep magic: Freezes beautifully, reheats like a dream, and tastes even better the next day.
Basically, this chili is everything you wish adulting was — warm, dependable, and always there for you.
Key Ingredients That Make This Chili Shine
Let’s break down what makes this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili so special — because yes, you could throw random ingredients into a pot and call it chili, but we’re aiming for “wow” not “meh.”
Butternut Squash
The star of the show! Butternut squash adds a sweet, creamy texture that balances out the spices perfectly. It’s like nature’s version of velvet — soft, rich, and full of comfort.
Beans
We’re using a combo of black beans and red kidney beans for that perfect hearty bite and extra fiber. Feel free to get creative with garbanzo, cannellini, or pinto beans if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Peppers & Onions
Red bell peppers add brightness, while onions bring that classic chili depth. Together, they create the aromatic base that makes your house smell like you’ve been cooking for hours (even though you haven’t).
Garlic & Spices
Garlic, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of ground ginger keep the flavor layered and balanced. The ginger might seem unexpected, but trust me — it adds a subtle warmth that takes the whole dish up a notch.
Tomatoes & Broth
A can of petite diced tomatoes adds acidity and freshness, while chicken or veggie broth ties it all together in savory bliss.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Servings
8
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
4
hoursIngredients
1 medium butternut squash (approx. 2 lbs), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 bell peppers, any color, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Add-ins:
1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
½ teaspoon red chili flakes or 2 diced chipotle peppers for heat
Fresh lime juice, to finish
- Toppings:
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded cheddar, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cilantro, or pumpkin seeds.
Directions
- Prep the Veggies
Peel and cube your butternut squash (pro tip: microwave it for 2–3 minutes to soften the skin first). Dice your peppers and onions, and mince your garlic. - Load the Slow Cooker
Toss everything — squash, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and spices — into your slow cooker. Pour in the broth, give it a good stir, and take a moment to admire how colorful it looks. - Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the squash is fork-tender. The magic of the slow cooker is that it blends all those flavors together into something glorious while you binge-watch your favorite show. - Thicken the Chili
Once it’s cooked, remove about 2 cups of the chili and mash it gently with a potato masher or fork. Stir it back in to create a thicker, heartier texture. - Taste & Adjust
Taste your chili. Need more heat? Add a pinch of chipotle powder or red chili flakes. Want more tang? A squeeze of lime juice brightens it up beautifully. - Serve & Top It Off
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fixings — sour cream, avocado, cheese, cilantro, or a handful of tortilla chips for crunch.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Love
If you’re going to make this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili, here are a few kitchen MVPs that’ll make your life easier (and your cleanup faster):
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(Affiliate disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you!)
Ways to Enjoy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Sure, it’s perfect straight from the bowl — but let’s get creative.
With Bread
Pair it with crusty French bread, buttermilk biscuits, or even jalapeño cornbread. Because carbs make everything better.
Over Grains
Spoon your chili over brown rice, quinoa, or orzo for a heartier meal.
In Tacos or Burritos
Scoop leftover chili into tortillas, top with shredded cheese, and call it a day. Chili tacos? Don’t knock it till you try it.
Over Baked Potatoes
Pour a generous ladle over a fluffy baked sweet potato — trust me, this combo is next-level cozy.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Let’s talk pro tips, because a little know-how makes all the difference between “pretty good” and “holy chili, that’s amazing.”
Adjust the Heat
This recipe is mild by default, so if you like a little spice in your life, toss in chipotle peppers, jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne.
Storing & Freezing
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 8 weeks.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Make It Protein-Packed
Want to boost the protein? Brown lean ground turkey or beef and add it before slow cooking. Or stir in shredded chicken near the end.
Keep It Plant-Based
Use vegetable broth and skip the meat for a fully vegan version that’s still rich and satisfying.
Flavor Boosts
Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a gourmet twist.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
The Final Scoop
If you’re craving comfort food that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy, this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili is your golden ticket. It’s simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough for whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
So go ahead — toss it all in, hit start, and bask in the glory of being a grown-up who actually cooked dinner.
More slow-cooker favorite recipes:
Affiliate Disclosure
This blog contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase or subscribe to a service. As an affiliate marketer, I partner with various companies and receive compensation for promoting their products or services. This in no way affects the opinions or recommendations I give.
Adulting Like A Grown-Up is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
