When the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili. This Beef and Butternut Squash Chili puts a seasonal spin on classic comfort food with lean ground beef, fiber-rich beans, colorful vegetables, and naturally sweet butternut squash.

With 30 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving, it’s a hearty fall meal designed to keep you satisfied while supporting your weight loss goals.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Chili

Butternut squash is an easy way to add seasonal flavor, color, and nutrients to traditional chili. Its subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with savory beef, tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning.

Even better, this recipe makes six servings, so it’s a great option for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Beef and Butternut Chili Recipe

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp canola oil, divided
• 1 ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 packet low sodium chili seasoning
• 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
• 2/3 cup beef broth
• 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added, undrained
• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, no salt added, rinsed and drained
• 2 cup butternut squash, peeled, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 6 Tbsp plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro leaves or chives (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and seasoning, and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, and butternut squash. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the chili has thickened.
4. Serve each bowl of chili with a dollop of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives for added flavor and creaminess.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Serving Size: About 1 1/3 cups
• Calories: 432
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Net Carbs: 22g

A Satisfying Meal for Your Weight Loss Journey

One of the keys to creating satisfying meals is combining protein and fiber. This chili delivers both, with lean ground beef providing protein and kidney beans and butternut squash contributing fiber.

Butternut squash also provides beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and uses to support normal immune function. Using plain nonfat Greek yogurt in place of traditional higher-fat toppings like sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish while keeping the meal lighter.

Make Healthy Eating Feel Like Fall

Supporting your weight loss goals doesn’t mean giving up the foods you look forward to when the seasons change. Simple swaps and nutrient-dense seasonal ingredients can turn familiar comfort foods into meals that fit more easily into your plan.

This healthy Beef and Butternut Squash Chili is warm, filling, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly fall evening.

Looking for more healthy seasonal recipes and weight loss tips? Keep following Figure Weight Loss for simple ways to enjoy the foods you love while working toward your goals.