Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1-1/2 lbs. extra lean ground beef or ground sirloin
• 2 8-oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt

Toppings: grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips.

Heat oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and stir, breaking up meat, until meat is browned completely. Drain meat thoroughly. Return beef to pan. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer chili for at least one hour, and up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste. Served with assorted toppings of your choice. Can also be cooked in a crock pot on low heat for 6-8 hours. Serves 6.