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Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole, combining tender butternut squash, savory ground beef, black beans, and kale, all baked together with melted cheese and a touch of spices for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 lb frozen butternut squash, cubed (about 3–4 cups)
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced or chopped
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 cup cooked ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Spices and Oil

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Place the frozen butternut squash cubes and sliced or chopped bell pepper into a casserole dish. Drizzle them evenly with the olive oil to help with roasting and flavor.
  3. Bake Vegetables: Bake the squash and pepper in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the squash begins to soften but is not fully cooked. This step helps to soften the vegetables and develop deeper flavors.
  4. Drain Excess Liquid: Once baked, carefully drain any extra liquid that has accumulated in the casserole dish to avoid a soggy casserole.
  5. Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, drained black beans, cooked ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped kale to the partially cooked vegetables. Mix everything gently but thoroughly in the casserole dish to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust once baked.
  7. Bake Casserole: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the ingredients are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Add Optional Spice and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the crushed red pepper on top for a hint of heat. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful and nutritious meal!

Notes

  • Use fresh butternut squash if preferred, adjusting bake time accordingly.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner protein.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or lentils.
  • Kale can be replaced with spinach or Swiss chard.
  • Adjust seasoning and spice levels to taste, especially if sensitive to heat.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ground beef casserole, butternut squash recipe, healthy casserole, black beans casserole, easy dinner, kale recipe, baked casserole

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/ground-beef-and-butternut-squash-casserole-recipe/