Beef and butternut squash chocolate chili

This post is sponsored on behalf of #Choctoberfest and our generous sponsors. I received free product from Divine Chocolate. As always, all opinions are my own.

This chili combines beef, two kinds of beans, butternut squash, and is simmered in a sauce of warm spices and creamy chocolate for a delicious Halloween or autumn meal. 

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I was super excited to be able to work with Divine Chocolate on a post for #Choctoberfest! I've always enjoyed their products and the fact that they are a Fairtrade certified. Another thing about this company is that they are the only Fairtrade chocolate company in the world that is owned by cocoa farmers! 

They also make some truly delicious chocolate and want their customers to #MakeSomethingDivine. Once I saw that I received one of their new 100% Unsweetened Baking Bars, I knew I wanted to make a savory chocolate recipe and more specifically a fall chili. 

Since the chocolate is unsweetened, it's really a great option for adding depth of rich flavor and creaminess to savory dishes. Chili is not an unusual thing to contain chocolate, but this one also has some other autumn flavors.

This chili makes a nice autumn dinner. I used butternut squash to add some sweetness to the overall chili, as well as some autumn color and flavor (and an extra dose of vegetables). The colors also make this a great meal for Halloween time. 

We enjoy trying all different kinds of chili recipes and including various vegetables, beans, and meats in them to make something a bit different sometimes.

The spices in this chili compliment the chocolate and butternut squash. A touch of cinnamon provides warmth to this meal along with the chili powder, paprika, and cumin.

I always like to serve a bowl of chili with some toppings. Tortilla strips like in the photo provide texture and crunch. You can use tortilla chips instead. Sour cream is a staple for me when topping chili. I love to use the tops of green onions for a pop of fresh flavor and color.

Give this beef and butternut squash chili a try this autumn, or anytime you want a hearty and warming meal.

Yield: about 6 servings

Author: Amy (Savory Moments)

Beef and Butternut Squash Chocolate Chili

This chili combines beef, two kinds of beans, butternut squash, and is simmered in a sauce of warm spices and creamy chocolate for a delicious Halloween or autumn meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped (reserve and thinly slice the green tops)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (to taste)*
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup**
• 1 can (14-15 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained
• 2 heaped cups peeled and diced butternut squash
• 1.5 oz. 100% unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until cooked through. Drain the fat and return the meat to the pot.
2. Stir in the red onion, green onion (white portion only), and green pepper along with a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the garlic through cinnamon and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire, ketchup, tomatoes, beans, and butternut squash. Let the mixture come to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.
5. Stir in the chocolate until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (more salt, pepper, chili powder). Stir in the green portions of the green onion, reserving a few to garnish each bowl.
6. Serve hot topped with sour cream, tortilla strips/corn chips, reserved green onions, etc. as desired.

Notes

*I used a chipotle-based chili powder that has a bit of heat to it. Use your favorite brand and add less for a mild chili, or more for a hotter chili. You can always start with less and add more later when you are tasting.

**I like the spices and touch of sweetness a little ketchup adds.

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This recipe was originally posted in 2018 and has been updated in 2025 with a recipe card, new text, and more to improve reader experience.

Check out these other chili recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Blueberry Bison Chili 

Chipotle Turkey, Apple, & Sweet Potato Chili