Description
Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef with tender butternut squash and warm spices. It’s wholesome, filling, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced butternut squash. Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash starts to soften.
- Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. Cover and cook for another 5–7 minutes until squash is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale near the end of cooking.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese for a cheesy variation.
- Use sweet potato as a substitute for butternut squash.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting beef with lentils or meatless crumbles.
- Dish can be made spicier with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg