As the air gets crisper and the leaves start to change, it's time to welcome fall flavors into your kitchen. Seasonal ingredients like butternut squash add a nutrient-dense twist to classic comfort food, making it perfect for those chilly evenings while supporting your weight loss goals. This Beef and Butternut Chili recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that balances flavor, protein, and fiber to keep you full and energized.

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

Why It's Great for Your Health and Weight Loss Journey

This chili is packed with lean protein from the ground beef, fiber from the beans and butternut squash, and healthy fats from a small amount of canola oil, making it a balanced meal to keep you satisfied. The addition of butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and loads of vitamin A, which supports immune health as we head into the cooler months. Swapping high-calorie toppings for nonfat Greek yogurt helps cut fat while still offering a creamy, tangy complement to the chili.

Fall is a great time to realign with your healthy habits, and this recipe makes it easy to enjoy delicious, seasonal foods while staying on track with your weight loss goals. Enjoy!