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Butternut Squash Casserole With Ground Beef & Rice Recipe

Butternut Squash Casserole With Ground Beef & Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

A comforting and hearty Butternut Squash Casserole combining roasted butternut squash with savory ground beef, tender brown rice, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a wholesome family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Butternut Squash

  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (97/3 lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ⅓ cups instant brown rice
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
  2. Prepare Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash until you have 4 cups. Place the cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Season Squash: Drizzle the squash with extra virgin olive oil, and generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and crushed dried rosemary over the cubes to season well.
  4. Roast Squash: Roast the seasoned squash in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Brown Ground Beef: While the squash roasts, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
  6. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced yellow onion to the beef and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Remove the roasted squash from the oven. Add the browned hamburger mixture, instant brown rice, vegetable broth, and heavy cream directly into the baking dish. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  8. Bake Mixture: Return the baking dish to the oven for about 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the broth and flavors to meld.
  9. Add Cheese: Take the casserole out and cover the top with shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
  10. Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese to your desired level of crispiness.
  11. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then plate and enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Peeling butternut squash can be easier if you microwave it for 2-3 minutes first to soften the skin.
  • Instant brown rice cooks quickly making this a fast and convenient casserole.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer flavor.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
  • The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash casserole, ground beef casserole, healthy casseroles, easy dinner recipes, baked ground beef and rice

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