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Ground beef butternut squash skillet, ready to serve

Hearty Ground Beef Butternut Squash Recipe Skillet for Thanksgiving

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this ground beef butternut squash skillet. A perfect blend of savory beef and sweet squash, it's a must see!
5 from 150 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Peeler
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater if using cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef lean
  • 1 medium Butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 1 large Yellow onion diced
  • 3 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can Fire-roasted diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • ½ cup Shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the butternut squash, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
  • Uncover and sprinkle with fresh thyme, then let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
  • If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Butternut squash prep — Peeling and cubing butternut squash can be a bit of a task. To make it easier, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin before peeling and cutting.
 
  • Browning the beef — When searing the meat, resist the urge to move it around. Letting it sit untouched ensures a beautiful, golden-brown crust and locks in the flavors.
 
  • Herbs — Fresh herbs can make a world of difference. If you have them on hand, use them. They add a brightness that dried herbs just can't match.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Hearty Ground Beef Butternut Squash Recipe Skillet for Thanksgiving
Amount per Serving
Calories
485
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
29
g
45
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
12
g
Cholesterol
 
96
mg
32
%
Sodium
 
635
mg
28
%
Potassium
 
1076
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
 
32
g
11
%
Fiber
 
6
g
25
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
27
g
54
%
Vitamin A
 
20800
IU
416
%
Vitamin C
 
46
mg
56
%
Calcium
 
265
mg
27
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Autumn Skillet Meal, Butternut Squash Skillet, Comfort Food, Hearty Ground Beef Recipe, One-Pan Dinner
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