Butternut Squash and Edamame Turkey Quinoa Chili

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience that truly nourishes your body and soul! This incredible **Turkey Quinoa Chili with Butternut Squash and Edamame** is a healthy, hearty, and unbelievably delicious meal that you’ll feel fantastic about serving and eating. Get ready to discover your new favorite chili recipe!

Discovering My Go-To Healthy Chili Recipe

This isn’t just any chili, y’all – it’s the chili! My quest for a wholesome, protein-rich, and vegetable-packed meal led me to create this magnificent Turkey Quinoa Chili, and it quickly became a staple in our home. I wanted a dish that could stand alone as a complete meal, providing both satisfying flavors and robust nutrition. And let me tell you, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

I’ve packed this chili with all the good stuff: lean ground turkey for a solid protein base, fluffy quinoa for added fiber and substance, sweet butternut squash for a touch of seasonal flavor and vibrant color, and nutrient-dense edamame. Complemented by classic chili ingredients like black beans, corn, and tomatoes, and seasoned with familiar warming spices, it strikes the perfect balance between traditional comfort and modern health consciousness. Every spoonful is a testament to its deliciousness, its filling nature, and the wonderful feeling of eating something truly good for you.

The reception this Turkey Quinoa Chili has received has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since its creation, it has graced our dinner table almost every week. My boys absolutely devour it, and I happily enjoy the leftovers for lunches throughout the week – it truly tastes even better the next day! Beyond our family, I’ve had the joy of sharing this chili with friends and loved ones, especially those who’ve just welcomed a new baby or are recovering from illness. The rave reviews are constant, and knowing it brings warmth and nourishment to others fills my heart. It’s a true testament to a recipe that’s not just food, but a gesture of care and comfort!

Unpacking the Power-Packed Ingredients of This Healthy Chili

Crafting a truly healthy and flavorful chili starts with selecting the right ingredients. For a complete list with precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below. However, let’s highlight some of the star components that make this Turkey Quinoa Chili shine:

• Lean Ground Turkey: Opting for lean ground turkey instead of beef significantly reduces the saturated fat content while still providing a robust source of high-quality protein. It keeps the chili light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a health-conscious meal.
• Quinoa: This ancient grain is a nutritional powerhouse! Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also rich in fiber, which aids digestion, helps you feel full longer, and contributes to stable blood sugar levels. Its subtle, nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture are a fantastic addition to the chili, soaking up all the delicious spices.
• Butternut Squash: Adding a wonderful natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked, butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. It contributes a vibrant color and an earthy depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully, making this chili perfect for fall and winter seasons.
• Edamame Beans: These vibrant green soybeans are bursting with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and calcium. Edamame adds a lovely pop of color and a tender-crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the softer elements of the chili, boosting its nutritional profile and making it even more satisfying.
• Black Beans & Corn: Classic chili additions, these legumes and vegetables bring additional fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, rounding out the flavor and texture profile.
• Crushed & Diced Tomatoes: Forming the rich base of the chili, tomatoes offer lycopene, an antioxidant, and contribute to the deep, savory flavor.
• Aromatic Foundation: Yellow onion and minced garlic lay the groundwork for a deeply flavorful chili, releasing their sweet and pungent notes as they sauté.
• Signature Spices: Chili powder and cumin are non-negotiable for authentic chili flavor, providing warmth, depth, and a hint of smoky spice that defines the dish.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: This allows you to control the salt content while adding another layer of savory liquid to help all the flavors meld together.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, not just in flavor but in building a meal that supports your well-being. This thoughtful combination ensures every spoonful is both delicious and incredibly nutritious.

Crafting Your Delicious Turkey Quinoa Chili: A Simple Guide

Creating this flavorful Turkey Quinoa Chili is a straightforward process, designed for both novice and experienced cooks. The beauty of chili lies in its simplicity and the way humble ingredients transform into a deeply satisfying meal. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, be sure to check the comprehensive recipe card found further down this page.

The general method involves building layers of flavor. You’ll start by sautéing the aromatics—onion and garlic—until fragrant and translucent, setting a delicious foundation. Next, the lean ground turkey is browned, adding richness and texture. Once the turkey is cooked, warming spices like chili powder and cumin are stirred in, infusing the meat with their distinct profiles. The canned goods—crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn—are then added directly to the pot, requiring no draining, which saves time and retains their natural liquids and flavors. A generous pour of low-sodium chicken broth brings everything together into a simmering, harmonious blend.

The magic truly happens as the butternut squash and quinoa are introduced to the pot. These ingredients simmer gently, allowing the squash to soften to a tender perfection and the quinoa to cook until it’s beautifully translucent, absorbing all the savory liquids and spices. Finally, the frozen edamame is stirred in for a brief final simmer, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and slight crispness. The result is a chili that’s thick, rich, and bursting with complex flavors and varied textures.

Cooking this chili is an enjoyable experience, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma that promises a wholesome and comforting meal. It’s a hands-on process that’s incredibly rewarding, culminating in a big pot of chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or healthy meal prep for the week ahead. Remember to consult the full recipe card below for all the specifics to ensure your chili turns out perfectly!

Serving Suggestions and Customization Tips

One of the best things about chili is its versatility. While this Turkey Quinoa Chili is fantastic on its own, a few simple additions can elevate your meal even further. Consider topping your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat. For a little crunch, a handful of crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side makes for a perfect pairing.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor. If you enjoy more heat, a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be incorporated with the other spices. Feel free to experiment with different beans, like kidney beans or cannellini beans, or add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini during the simmering process. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to put your personal spin on it.

Storage and Reheating for Convenience

This Turkey Quinoa Chili is an absolute dream for meal prepping! It stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this chili freezes exceptionally well. Divide cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for busy weeknights or a healthy grab-and-go lunch.

If you make this nourishing Turkey Quinoa Chili with Butternut Squash and Edamame, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama. I find so much joy in seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every comforting, healthy bite!

xoxo,

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Turkey Quinoa Chili with Butternut Squash and Edamame

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 3 reviews

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 15 mins
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  Cook Time: 45 mins
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  Total Time: 1 hour
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  Yield: 8-10 servings
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  Category: Main Dish, Chili

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Description

Enjoy a truly satisfying and wholesome Turkey Quinoa Chili, bursting with lean protein, nutrient-rich butternut squash, and vibrant edamame. This hearty chili is the perfect comfort food that’s also incredibly healthy, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.25 pounds lean ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (I used Rotel)
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (11 ounce) can sweet corn kernels, undrained
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1–1/2 cups frozen edamame beans, shelled

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Instructions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the lean ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the turkey is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. To the pot, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain the cans), black beans (do not drain), and sweet corn kernels (do not drain). Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir everything thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed butternut squash and the rinsed uncooked quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the quinoa is translucent and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Finally, stir in the frozen edamame beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the edamame to cook through and become tender-crisp. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy this wholesome, comforting Turkey Quinoa Chili!

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