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Ground Beef and Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

This creamy Ground Beef Butternut Squash Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining roasted butternut squash, lean ground beef, and melted cheeses. Ready in under an hour, it offers a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, with tender pasta coated in a rich, spiced squash sauce garnished with Parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Roasted Butternut Squash

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the cubed butternut squash evenly. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with kosher salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toss well to coat, then roast for 30-35 minutes until the squash is soft and golden around the edges.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the squash roasts, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set both aside.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef, breaking it up lightly to allow texture. Cook until no longer pink, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables and Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, warm the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant and softened. Lower the heat, pour in the milk and warm through. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until mostly melted, then remove from heat.
  5. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the cheese and milk mixture to a blender along with half of the roasted butternut squash. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the large skillet, pour the blended sauce over it, and stir together thoroughly to combine.
  7. Mix Pasta and Remaining Squash: Add the cooked pasta and the remaining roasted butternut squash to the skillet. Heat gently while tossing everything until evenly coated in the rich creamy sauce.
  8. Serve: Plate the pasta warm, garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a little reserved pasta water before serving.

Notes

  • For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or a milk alternative with a higher fat content.
  • Cooking time for butternut squash may vary depending on size and oven; check for tenderness.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining as it helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta if it thickens too much.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/ground-beef-and-roasted-butternut-squash-pasta-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/