Butternut Squash Chili – with help from Manwich!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you noticed how many chili recipes seem to have butternut squash in them lately?  There’s a good reason!  The squash adds so much flavor and texture to the chili.  If you haven’t tried it yet, try this recipe.  Using Manwich sauce, it’s a super easy recipe!

Did you know Manwich sauces come in three different flavors?  There is Bold, Original and Thick and Chunky.  For this chili recipe, I use Original and Thick and Chunky.  Don’t you think Thick and Chunky is the perfect choice for chili?  These are hearty sauces and they have a sweet and tangy taste.  Kids love them!

Manwich Monday is a great way to kick-off the week  This is a great way to have a family meal around the dinner table.  A hearty meal but easy to make!  A total aside.  Manwich has no meat.  It give you an easy option when your kids bring over a vegetarian friend.  Just make a small batch without th meat.

Ingredients:

1 small butternut squash (mine weighed just over 1 lb.)
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 cans Manwich sauce
8 oz can tomato sauce
8 oz can beef broth (can substitute chicken broth if you have that)
1 TBSP chili
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pierce butternut squash a few times with a fork (or tip of a very sharp knife).  On a small foil lined pan, place butternut squash in oven for 30 ish minutes.  Bake until it’s tender when stabbing with a fork.  Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

Slice into rings.

Cut out squash from skin and remove seeds.  Isn’t that a lot easier than trying to peel a raw squash!

Cut into smaller cubes – about 1/2 to 1 inch square.  Set aside.

Brown ground beef.  Make sure to break up big chunks.

Add Manwich Sauces.

Add the rest of your seasoning.  The broth is used to thin the sauce, if necessary.

Simmer 15 – 20 minutes to allow the flavors absorb into the meat.

Add butternut squash and simmer about 5 more minutes, just to heat the squash through.

Serve with fun add ons including sour cream, grated cheddar cheese and chopped onions.

If you love easy, but hearty recipes, make sure you to Sign-up for ReadySetEat eNewsletter  Lots of great stuff in that eNewsletter!  Also, if you need some inspiration on what to make, take a look at Manwich Monday Recipes.

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