Burrito Butternut Squash Boats

Delight in the flavorful fusion of Burrito Butternut Squash Boats, an easy, nutritious dinner option loaded with savory ingredients and customizable toppings.

Burrito Butternut Squash Boats are a delightful twist on traditional burritos and an incredibly easy and satisfying dish to prepare for a family dinner. The process begins with simply roasting butternut squash halves until they are tender and sweet, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the meal.

While the squash is baking, you can quickly sauté your choice of ground meat along with onions, corn, cherry tomatoes, and black beans, all seasoned with spices and a splash of enchilada sauce for a zesty kick.

A perfect option for busy weeknights while still impressing your family

This straightforward recipe comes together in about an hour, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights while still impressing your family with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The combination of fresh ingredients pleases the palate and provides a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Burrito Butternut Squash Boats are a wonderfully nutritious choice for dinner

Beyond their deliciousness, Burrito Butternut Squash Boats are a wonderfully nutritious choice for dinner, offering multiple health benefits that make this dish a standout option. Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting good vision, boosting the immune system, and aiding digestion.

Adding black beans and corn provides plant-based protein,

Adding black beans and corn provides plant-based protein, adding to the dish's overall nutritional profile while keeping it hearty and filling. This meal is also highly customizable; you can add a plethora of vegetables or use a variety of lean meats to suit your family's preferences.

Ease of preparation, nutritional value, and crowd-pleasing flavors

Whether you’re looking to introduce a meatless option or want to load up on wholesome ingredients, this recipe fits the bill. With its ease of preparation, nutritional value, and crowd-pleasing flavors, Burrito Butternut Squash Boats are an excellent choice for a family dinner that everyone can enjoy, making mealtime healthy and fun.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Serving Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squashes (about 2 pounds total)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned; drained if canned)
• 1 cup black beans (cooked and drained)
• 1 small onion (diced, about 1 cup)
• 1 pound ground meat (such as turkey, chicken, or beef)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or a Mexican blend)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the butternut squash is prepared.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Cut the Squash:
   • Use a sharp knife to carefully cut each butternut squash in half lengthwise, starting at the stem and working down to the bottom. Be cautious as the skin can be tough.
2. Scoop Out the Seeds:
   • Using a spoon or a small scoop, remove the seeds and stringy innards from the center of each squash half.
3. Season the Squash:
   • Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
   • Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 3: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Baking Time:
   • Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the squash for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender. You can check by poking the flesh with a fork—it should easily pierce through. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the squash, leaving a ½" border around the edges and saving the insides for filling. 

Step 4: Cook the Filling

1. Dice the Onion:
   • While the squash is roasting, dice 1 small onion into small pieces (about 1 cup).
2. Heat a Skillet:
   • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion.
3. Sauté the Onion:
   • Cook the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
4. Brown the Meat:
   • Add 1 pound of ground meat (turkey, chicken, or beef) to the skillet with the onion. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Add Other Ingredients:
   • To the skillet, add:
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
   • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned; drained if needed)
   • 1 cup black beans (cooked and drained)
   • 1 teaspoon cumin
   • 1 teaspoon chili powder
   • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
   • 1 cup enchilada sauce
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Mixture:
   • Stir all the ingredients together and cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Burrito Boats

1. Remove Squash from Oven:
   • Carefully take the roasted butternut squash halves out of the oven and flip them cut-side up.
2. Stuff the Squash:
   • Evenly divide the meat and vegetable mixture among the roasted squash halves, placing it generously into each cavity.
3. Add Cheese:
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the filled squash halves.

Step 6: Bake Again

1. Return to Oven:
   • Place the stuffed squash back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish and Cool:
   • Remove the squash boats from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Plate and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Burrito Butternut Squash Boats warm, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips:

• You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or different types of cheese.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Burrito Butternut Squash Boats with meat and enchilada sauce!

Here is a list of helpful tips and variations to enhance your Burrito Butternut Squash Boats:

Helpful Tips:

1. Selecting Butternut Squash: For the best flavor and texture, look for firm squashes without any soft spots and uniform beige.
2. Even Roasting: Cut the squash uniformly for even cooking and place them cut-side down on the baking sheet. This helps distribute the heat evenly and speeds up the roasting process.
3. Time-Saving: You can roast the squash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, fill and bake them.
4. Controlling Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. For those who like extra heat, you can always serve hot sauce or jalapeño slices on the side.
5. Cheese Melting Tip: To achieve a perfectly melted and bubbly cheese topping, consider broiling the squash boats for the last couple of minutes of cooking and watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more black beans, quinoa, or lentils to boost protein content, making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
2. Meat Options: Swap ground meat for shredded chicken or pork for a different texture and flavor. Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient choice.
3. Sauce Experimentation: To suit your flavor preferences, try different types of sauce, such as salsa, chipotle sauce, or green enchilada sauce.
4. Additional Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can enhance the nutritional value of the filling mixture.
5. Cheese Varieties: For a unique touch, experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cotija cheese.
6. Toppings and Garnishes: For added flavor and creaminess, garnish with avocado, sour cream, or fresh lime juice.
7. Gluten-Free Friendly: This dish is inherently gluten-free when using gluten-free enchilada sauce, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

These tips and variations provide flexibility to cater to different dietary needs and taste preferences, ensuring your Burrito Butternut Squash Boats are a hit every time!

Print