Beef and Butternut Squash Chili

Ingredients and Weight:

• Ground beef (80/20): 2 pounds
• Butternut squash, peeled and cubed: 1 pound
• Onion, chopped: 1 large
• Green bell pepper, chopped: 1 medium
• Red bell pepper, chopped: 1 medium
• Black beans, rinsed and sorted: 1 can (15 ounces)
• Kidney beans, rinsed and sorted: 1 can (15 ounces)
• Diced tomatoes (undrained): 1 can (14.5 ounces)
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Beef broth: 4 cups
• Chili powder: 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the butternut squash, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have blended.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per serving (1 cup): 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated fat: 6 grams
• Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
• Sodium: 650 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful
• Aromatic with a blend of spices
• Slight sweetness from the butternut squash
• Can be served with a variety of toppings, such as:
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped onions
  • Cornbread

User Comments:

• "This chili is delicious! The butternut squash adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor."
• "I love the smokiness of the chili powder and cumin."
• "This is a great way to use up leftover butternut squash."
• "I made this in my slow cooker and it turned out perfectly."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If the chili gets too thick, add more beef broth or water as needed.
• If you want a spicier chili, add more chili powder or chopped jalapeño peppers.
• Serve with a side of cornbread or a warm tortilla.