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Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

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A hearty and nutritious Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole featuring a delightful blend of tender butternut squash, bell peppers, black beans, kale, and seasoned ground beef, all baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal that balances protein, vegetables, and flavors in one easy casserole.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 lb frozen butternut squash, cubed (about 3-4 cups)
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced or chopped
  • 1 cup chopped kale

Protein

  • 1 cup cooked ground beef
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained

Seasonings and Oils

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

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the casserole.
  2. Drizzle oil and bake vegetables: Place the frozen butternut squash cubes and chopped or sliced bell pepper into a casserole dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat well. Bake for about 20 minutes until the squash just starts to soften.
  3. Drain liquid: After baking, carefully drain any excess liquid that has collected in the casserole dish to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
  4. Mix in remaining ingredients: Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, then stir in the drained black beans, cooked ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped kale. Mix everything thoroughly within the casserole dish to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the casserole dish.
  6. Bake until soft and melted: Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until all ingredients are tender and the cheese has melted to your liking.
  7. Add crushed red pepper (optional): Once baked, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top if you desire a bit of heat for extra flavor.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh butternut squash if preferred; adjust baking time accordingly as frozen squash cooks faster.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Add other vegetables like onions or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor variations.
  • Use a cheese blend such as cheddar and mozzarella for a richer taste.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

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