Squash Chili Verde
A hearty, flavorful squash chili verde featuring tender yellow squash, mild chili heat, and melted cheese—perfect for comforting, vegetable-based meals with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and chopped chili pepper in oil until tender.
- Add squash, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from burner; top with grated cheese and cover until cheese melts.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the yellow squash before adding it to the chili verde. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can substitute the green chili pepper with a jalapeño or serrano pepper. For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of milk. This dish is also great for using up extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Squash Chili Verde hot, topped with your favorite grated cheese for a delicious finish. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like warm tortillas or cornbread. Consider adding a side of rice or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. For a fun twist, serve with chips for dipping, making it a great appetizer too.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Squash Chili Verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, or use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squash Chili Verde contains roughly 672 calories, with 14g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili verde ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Squash Chili Verde ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
What kind of cheese should I use?
For topping, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using a low-fat cheese, which will still provide great flavor without the extra calories.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this chili verde freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).