Butternut Squash Chili is a hearty, flavorful vegetarian chili made with tender butternut squash, white beans, chili spices, and tomatoes.
This Butternut Squash Chili is an easy vegetarian recipe that is packed full of nutrients, fiber, and bold flavor.

Why This Recipe Works
It may sound odd to add butternut squash to chili, but the sweetness from the squash balance out the heat from the chipotle peppers in this recipe.
And not to mention the squash adds fiber, vitamins, and nutrients as well.
This chili recipe may be incredibly healthy, but it is layered and nuanced in flavors. The heat from the chipotle peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes paired with the creamy white beans and tender squash is a match made in heaven. A little bit of beer adds tang and balance to the chili but is completely optional.
And while this Butternut Squash Chili recipe is a perfect dish for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy, even the meat-eaters love this recipe. Just ask my husband and son whom both LOVE this recipe!
Notes on Key Ingredients

- Butternut Squash: You will need 1 medium butternut squash or about 3 cups. Pro-Tip: Check out the cost of cubed butternut squash in the produce section. Sometimes it is CHEAPER than a full squash--and the work is done for you!
- Beans: Any beans work in this chili, but I find the white beans are mild enough to not overtake the butternut squash's flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: I love to use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra kick of flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work. And if you have picky eaters that despise the texture of diced tomatoes, use tomato sauce in its place.
- Beer: Beer adds an amazing dimension to chili, but by all means use vegetable or chicken stock in place of beer. For Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Chili, be sure to use stock in place of beer.
- Chili Seasoning: My homemade blend of chili seasoning is better than any packaged blend out there, so be sure to use that for the best results.
How to Make Butternut Squash Chili
Butternut Squash Chili can be prepared on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, making this recipe incredibly versatile
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Instant Pot Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Hit manual/pressure cook and then adjust the cooking time using the +/- buttons for 8 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes.

Stove Top Directions
- Heat a large stock pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil.
- Saute the onions for 3-4 minutes or until beginning to become translucent.
- Add in the garlic and toast for another minute or two.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and turn the heat to high.
- Once the chili is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender, being sure to stir as needed.

Recipe Tips and Notes
- Leftover chili can be stored for up to 4 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. You can also place the cooled chili into a freezer-safe container, being sure to leave room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before heating and serving.
- In place of fresh butternut squash, feel free to use frozen butternut squash puree. Add the frozen squash directly to the chili. The cooking time will need to be reduced since the squash is already cooked through. Reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes if using the instant pot, simmer for only 15-20 minutes on the stove, and cook for 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker.
- Butternut Squash Chili is deliciously served with shredded cheese, crumbled feta, chips, cilantro, pico, or cornbread.
More Favorite Chili Recipes
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
- Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- Slow-Cooker Classic Chili
- Instant Pot Chili
- Crockpot Chicken Chili
If you enjoyed this Butternut Squash Chili, please leave a comment and review below. I love hearing how much you enjoy my recipes!

Butternut Squash Chili
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and diced into 1 inch chunks
- 1 onion finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups white beans or 2 (16 ounce) cans rinsed and drained
- 16 ounces can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 chipotle pepper from a can
- ½ cup bottle dark amber beer
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon Chili Seasoning Mix
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until squash is tender.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Hit manual/pressure cook and then adjust the cooking time using +/- buttons for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes.
Stove Top Instructions
- Heat a large stock pan over medium heat and add in 1 teaspoon of oil*. Saute the onions for 3-4 minutes or until beginning to become translucent. Add in the garlic and toast for another minute or two.
- Add the squash, stock, beer, tomatoes, white beans, and chili powder.
- Add in remaining ingredients and turn heat to high. Once the chili is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender, being sure to stir as needed.
Jenn
So simple and comforting! Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Jenn!
Jen
Absoutely delicious!
Hazel
What type of cheese do you use on top to serve?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Hazel! If you would like to top with cheese, I would recommend cheddar, Monterey Jack, Cobly, Feta, or Queso Fresco. I hope you enjoy.
Jasmine
I just made this and its excellent! I was wondering though, what is the serving size for the nutrient profile u list? One cup? An ounce? Im calorie counting so that would help alot!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Jasmine the nutrition is based on approximately a 1.5 cup serving. And I am glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Jasmine
Wow, low calorie and delicious. Thank you so much!!
Kristen Chidsey
You are so welcome!
Leslie
I've wanted to try this but I'm afriad I won't like it and then the illusion is shattered haha. This looks so good though!
Kristen Chidsey
Haha. Leslie, my husband turned his nose up on it, but due to the heat and beer--he loved it and he is not a squash person at all.
Angela Barnard
Made this for dinner last night and it was amazing. Delicious! I will definitely be making it again.
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets
This looks SO good, I am pinning for later to make, it's so nice that it's a slow cooker recipe, great for a weekday meal! Looks very healthy too, thank you for sharing this!
Kristen Chidsey
You bet Sara! I hope you enjoy it--it is a perfect healthy dish for a cold busy day 🙂
Brian Jones
I'm still earning how to cook with pumpkin, it is a relatively new vegetable to me but this sounds wonderful!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh Brain, I love pumpkin and butternut squash. I hope you learn to love it yourself 🙂
Melanie
I just love a hearty butternut squash soup in the fall....and this one has such a nice spin on it with the white beans...pinning for later!!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Melanie--I hope you enjoy it so much! So hearty and filling.
Chris @ SimpleFood365
We are big fans of squash in our home and while I really like a traditional chili, this is such a great alternative! It looks and sounds amazing!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Chris! I love traditional chili as well, but this is a nice change of pace.