This Ground Beef and Butternut dish is a wholesome and hearty combination of tender ground beef, roasted butternut squash, and zucchini, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a one-pan meal ideal for busy weeknights, offering both nourishment and bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein and fiber for a balanced meal
- Naturally gluten-free and low in carbs
- Simple, clean ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Versatile—serve as a main dish or a side
- Kid-friendly and full of vibrant color
- Excellent for meal prep
- Comforting yet nutritious
- Uses seasonal vegetables
- Requires only one pan for minimal cleanup
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Butternut squash
- Zucchini
- Olive oil or your preferred cooking fat
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced butternut squash. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add zucchini and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook uncovered for another 5–8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
- Add red bell pepper for extra sweetness
- Mix in spinach or kale for added greens
- Use sweet potato instead of butternut squash for a different twist
- Spice it up with cayenne or chili flakes
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use?
Use lean ground beef (85%-90%) for less grease but still enough flavor.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs and suitable for a ketogenic diet.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can include bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge and is ideal for preparing several portions in advance.
Should I peel the zucchini?
No, zucchini skin is tender and nutritious, so there’s no need to peel it.
What seasonings go well with this?
Besides garlic and paprika, try cumin, thyme, or Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.
Is it spicy?
Not by default, but you can adjust the heat level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, bake the beef and veggies in a casserole dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–35 minutes.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Butternut is the perfect solution for a fast, filling, and flavorful meal. It’s as nourishing as it is delicious, with simple ingredients and endless versatility. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
PrintGround Beef and Butternut
A hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef with tender butternut squash and zucchini, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.
- Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until both vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Add a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too dry while cooking.
- This dish pairs well with rice or can be enjoyed on its own for a low-carb meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg