Spicy Maui Beef & Butternut Squash Chili

Warm, hearty, and packed with sweet-and-spicy flavor, this chili combines classic comfort food with an island-inspired twist. Tender butternut squash adds a touch of natural sweetness, while Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce brings smoky, savory heat to every bite.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans chili beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• ¾ cup Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For serving:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Diced or sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the beef.
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Sauté the vegetables.
Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Add the squash and seasonings.
Stir in the diced butternut squash, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.

4. Build the chili.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili beans, beef broth, and Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer.
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is fork-tender.

6. Thicken and adjust.
Remove the lid and simmer for another 5–10 minutes if you prefer a thicker chili. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or Spicy Maui Original Sauce as desired.

7. Serve.
Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese, green onions, avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Make It Ahead

This chili is perfect for meal prep because the flavors become even richer after sitting overnight. Allow leftovers to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if the chili becomes too thick.

Azeka’s Tip

For an extra Maui kick, drizzle a little additional Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce over each bowl just before serving.