Butternut Squash Mince Bake Recipe

Butternut Squash Mince Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory, spiced minced meat. This layered casserole is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Here’s a simple recipe to make this satisfying and flavorful bake.

Butternut Squash Mince Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, diced into cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the mince)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, turkey, or lamb (your choice)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), optional for topping

Instructions:

1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through. Once done, set aside.
2. Cook the Mince:
   • In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground meat (beef, turkey, or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Season the Mince:
   • Once the meat is browned, stir in the canned diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, paprika, oregano, and frozen peas (if using). Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a baking dish (about 9×9 inches or similar size), layer the cooked butternut squash and the seasoned mince mixture. Start with a layer of squash at the bottom, then add the mince mixture on top. You can repeat the layers if you have enough ingredients.
5. Optional Cheese Topping:
   • If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the bake.
6. Bake:
   • Place the assembled dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using). If not using cheese, bake for 15-20 minutes to ensure the flavors are well-combined and everything is heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Make it vegetarian: Use lentils or a plant-based mince substitute instead of meat for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the mince mixture for a bit of heat.
• Freezer-friendly: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

This Butternut Squash Mince Bake is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Enjoy!