Hasselback Butternut Squash with spiced beef, basil and mint. This one turned out better than expected. We had a bunch of squash since I asked Ry to grab some for a few other recipes I wanted to make. I happened to have some ground beef and the yards herbs were still growing strong. Think of it as a kinda savory pumpkin spice sorta vibe. This one was a hit. I will definitely be making it again.
As with most winter squash recipes you can substitute in plenty of other varieties. An assortment of pumpkins would work, or you could go with some delicata or acorn squashes. All are good alternatives here. And don’t feel like you need to hasselback them either, cutting it like that does give it a great texture, but if it’s too fussy, you can simple just slice and roast them and then top with your spiced ground beef and herbs.
Think of it as a kinda savory pumpkin spice sorta vibe.
As with most winter squash recipes you can substitute in plenty of other varieties. An assortment of pumpkins would work, or you could go with some delicata or acorn squashes. All are good alternatives here. And don’t feel like you need to hasselback them either, cutting it like that does give it a great texture, but if it’s too fussy, you can simple just slice and roast them and then top with your spiced ground beef and herbs.
Hasselback Butternut Squash
with spiced beef, basil and mint
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced almost all the way through, or hasselbacked
- 1 lb ground beef (I feel like this would be good with lamb too)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- Dash red wine vinegar
- Handful of fresh basil, mint or any other tender herb you like. Cilantro would be a good choice.
- Olive Oil
- salt
Roast your squash for about an hour at 350F, or until it’s nice and tender.
Brown you beef, onions and add some cumin and cinnamon, or whatever other spices you want. And, be sure to add a dash of red wine vinegar or any other vinegar you want. You need a little acid to brighten everything up. I feel like balsamic vinegar could work well here.
To plate up, get your squash, top with lots of beef and then scatter a ton of herbs over top. I used some different basils (I think I had Thai, cinnamon and Genovese growing) and fresh mint. Cilantro would be a good choice too (I didn’t have any). Season with flakey salt and eat up!
