Spicy Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili
This hearty Spicy Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, blending the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the rich, savory flavor of venison. The addition of chipotle peppers provides a smoky heat that's balanced perfectly by the creamy texture of sour cream and the sharpness of cheddar cheese. It's a family-friendly dish that's not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it with your choice of toppings, including sour cream and cheddar, for an unforgettable meal that warms the soul.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
2 cups (peeled and cubed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
ground venison or lean beef
1 lb (none)
green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Rotel tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
chipotle chiles in adobo
2 1/2 teaspoons (diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4
Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared pan and roast in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground venison (or beef) along with the chopped green pepper, onion, and minced garlic until the meat is completely cooked and the vegetables are softened.
6
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, chipotle chiles in adobo, and additional salt. Mix well.
7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Carefully fold in the roasted butternut squash and let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili?
It is a hearty twist on traditional chili that blends roasted butternut squash with savory venison and smoky chipotle peppers.
What meat can be used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground venison, but lean beef is a perfect substitute.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled, cubed, and then roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the squash.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it features smoky heat from chipotle chiles in adobo and Rotel tomatoes, though it is balanced by the sweetness of the squash.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this chili?
One 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, is used in this recipe.
What provide the smoky flavor in the chili?
The smoky heat is provided by 2 1/2 teaspoons of diced chipotle chiles in adobo.
What spices are needed?
The main spices used are 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin and 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder, plus salt and pepper to taste.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili simmers for an initial 15 minutes, then for an additional 10 minutes after the roasted squash is added.
What are the recommended toppings?
It is best served garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes one cup of chopped green pepper, one cup of chopped onion, and two minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Can I use beef instead of venison?
Yes, lean beef is an excellent alternative to ground venison in this recipe.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and one 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 2 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash.
How do I know when the squash is done roasting?
The squash is done when it is fork-tender but not mushy, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, you should line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal because it includes lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-dense butternut squash.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in this Spicy Chipotle Butternut Venison Chili.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to coat the squash for roasting.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
When do I add the butternut squash to the pot?
Carefully fold in the roasted butternut squash after the chili mixture has simmered for 15 minutes.
How do I cook the meat and base vegetables?
Brown the meat along with the chopped green pepper, onion, and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat.
What size can of Rotel is needed?
A 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes is required.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
While the recipe calls for green pepper, you could likely use other bell peppers for a similar texture.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this chili.
Is this chili family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.
What are the key flavor profiles?
The chili features earthy sweetness, savory meatiness, and smoky heat.