![['Close-up view of a delicious butternut squash casserole with ground beef and rice.', 'Slice of butternut squash casserole showcasing beef, rice, and a cheesy topping.', 'Juicy casserole filled with butternut squash, ground beef, and melted cheese.', 'Side view of a hearty butternut squash casserole on a plate.']](https://snacknova.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/butternut-squash-casserole_1_U1-1.webp)
Delicious Butternut Squash Casserole With Ground Beef & Rice
A hearty and comforting casserole combining roasted butternut squash, seasoned ground beef, and rice topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste salt
- pepper to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, crushed or dried
- 1 pound ground beef (97/3%) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic or jarred
- 1 can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
- 0.5 cups heavy cream or substitute with sour cream mixed with water
- 1.33 cups instant brown rice or substitute with cooked long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or substitute with Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast cubed squash with oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary for 30 minutes.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, add diced onion and garlic, cook until fragrant. Mix with roasted squash.
- Combine beef mixture with cooked rice, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, top with shredded cheese, then broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and browned.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based protein.