If you joined us for the Setter Showdown Event, you probably caught a whiff (or maybe a bowl!) of this cozy, crowd-favorite dish — Butternut Squash Chili, a post-workout meal for outdoor athletes.
This isn’t your average chili. It’s everything an outdoor athlete could want in a post-workout meal: flavorful, nutrient-dense, and deeply satisfying without that heavy, sluggish feeling afterward. Whether you just crushed a climbing session, wrapped up a chilly mountain bike ride, or finished a long hike, this chili is the perfect way to refuel, recover, and recharge.
Why It’s Perfect for Outdoor Athlete Recovery
1. Balanced Macros for Recovery
Ground turkey delivers lean, high-quality protein to repair muscle tissue, while a mix of beans (northern, black, and chickpeas) provides both protein and complex carbohydrates to restore glycogen stores.
2. Nutrient-Rich Carbs for Sustained Energy
Roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots offer slow-digesting carbohydrates that keep your energy steady long after your workout ends.
3. Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Support
Fresh ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and paprika add warmth and powerful anti-inflammatory properties — helping your body recover faster and fight off soreness.
4. Hydration and Joint Health
A base of chicken bone broth adds electrolytes and collagen to support joint and tendon recovery, especially important for climbers, bikers, and mountain athletes.
Butternut Squash Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground turkey
- 1 can northern beans
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 small cans tomato sauce
- 1 small can green chilis
- Fresh ginger grated
- 1 small butternut squash, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
- 5 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 can black beans
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Avocado oil
- Seasonings: chili powder, cinnamon, ground clove, nutmeg, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (measure with your heart!)
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- On a sheet pan, toss butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
- While veggies roast, heat a large pot with 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown ground turkey. Drain any excess liquid and transfer to the bowl with your onion mixture.
- Add all canned ingredients, bone broth, maple syrup, and seasonings to the pot. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the meat, onion mixture, and roasted veggies to the pot. Simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Serve warm — and if you really want to take it up a notch, enjoy it with a fresh loaf of sourdough.
Fuel Your Next Adventure
This Butternut Squash Chili hits the sweet spot between comfort food and performance nutrition. It’s a reminder that recovery meals for outdoor athletes don’t have to be boring — they can be flavorful, nourishing, and made to support the way you move through the mountains. This might be the perfect post-workout meal for outdoor athletes
So the next time you’re winding down from a day of climbing, biking, or chasing your dog through the uplands, grab a bowl, kick back, and let this chili do its job. Remember a post-workout meal for outdoor athletes is essential for recovery.