Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
Enjoy this easy Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe. A cozy, flavorful dinner filled with seasoned beef, and veggies.
Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
This Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash makes a hearty and comforting dinner that’s full of flavor. Roasted butternut halves are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and simple seasonings for a wholesome, family friendly meal. It’s an easy recipe to prep ahead, great for weeknights, and perfect for enjoying cozy fall flavors. Let this stuffed squash be your new go to dinner when you want something delicious, nutritious, and satisfying. Find more warm side dish vegetable recipes, 👉 warm side dishes ideas.
FAQ’s and Tips
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the butternut and cook the beef filling a day ahead. Store them separately, then stuff and bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze stuffed butternut squash?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?
Walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or even toasted breadcrumbs work for added crunch.
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well, just add a little extra seasoning because they are milder than beef.
Don’t over-scoop the squash
Leave a small layer of squash inside so it holds its shape and adds moisture to the filling.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
- large butternut
- ground beef
- button mushrooms
- onion, finely chopped
- garlic cloves, minced
- smoked paprika
- dried thyme or oregano
- sunflower seeds (raw or lightly toasted)
- shredded cheese (optional, cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Worcestershire sauce.
- olive oil for frying.
How To roast a Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
Roast the Butternut
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the cut sides of the butternut with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 35–45 minutes, or until tender.
Make the Filling
- Cook onion in a little oil until soft.
- Add garlic, and cook 30 seconds. stirring it in the sliced mushrooms.
- Add ground beef, and cook until browned, and incorporated with onion and garlic.
- Stir in the cubed butternut, cook all together for about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme/oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add sunflower seeds and stir to combine.
- Mix in cheese for a tasty flavor or add it on top of the stuffing before final roast.
Stuff and Bake
- Place the scooped-out butternut half, now with a shallow trench for the filling, onto a serving dish.
- Fill generously with the beef mixture and the cubed butternut pieces. (optional to add some cheese)
- Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors and lightly brown on top.
Serving Ideas
- Add chopped parsley or green onions for freshness.
- Serve with a green salad or rice.
- Additionally add to your main meal with potato and other sides.
Serve this flavorful Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash with your favorite warm sides to complete the meal. It pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes or garlic bread. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a seasonal weekend meal, these easy side dish ideas help round out the flavors and make your table feel complete. Let your readers explore more delicious sides to mix and match with this hearty butternut recipe.
More Butternut Squash Recipes
If you love cooking with butternut squash, here are a few more comforting recipes to try. Each one brings out the natural sweetness and versatility of this seasonal favorite. Add them to your fall and winter menu for easy, flavorful meals your family will enjoy.
PrintGround Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
Enjoy this easy Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe. A cozy, flavorful dinner filled with seasoned beef, and veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: Oven cook and baking
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of sliced button mushrooms
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (raw or lightly toasted)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 –2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
- 2– Tablespoons of olive oil for frying.
Instructions
Roast the Butternut
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Rub the cut sides of the butternut with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
-
Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 35–45 minutes, or until tender.
Make the Filling
- Cook onion in a little oil until soft.
- Add garlic, and mushrooms and cook 30 seconds or until mushrooms are tender.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced butternut, cook 5–7 minutes.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme/oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add sunflower seeds and stir to combine.
- Mix in cheese.
Stuff and Bake
-
Place the scooped-out butternut half, now with a shallow trench for the filling, onto a serving dish.
-
Fill generously with the beef mixture and the cubed butternut pieces.(optional to sprinkle cheese)
-
Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors and lightly brown on top.
Serving Ideas
-
Add chopped parsley or green onions for freshness.
-
Serve with a green salad or rice.
- optionally serve with main meal, with potato and another side dish.
