How to Make Spiced Butternut Squash and Beef Tacos

When fall comes around I like to make my weekly trip to the local farm stand and pumpkin patches to pick up the season’s squashes. This year I got a basket full of butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and sugar pie pumpkins. So for the next few months, we’ll be adding some squash to most of our dishes. Today I’m sharing these spiced butternut squash and beef tacos, one of our favorite savory fall dishes.

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Fall at the Farm Stand

Whenever I plan our meals out for the week, I also include a trip to our local farm stand.

Ever since moving to a farming community a few years ago, I make it a tradition to buy from our local farms. It’s amazing what you can get when you just ask your local community. You can buy bulk cow meat or simply pick up a bundle of kale on your way home from work. Whatever you have access to, it’s worth it to make the extra stop to get farm fresh, home grown food.

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It was about the last week in September when I stopped at our farm stand and saw dozens of squash. So. Many. Pumpkins. Then John and I went to a pumpkin patch and guess what? More squashes and pumpkins.

So we loaded up on butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and sugar pie pumpkins. Then we got some mini pumpkins to decorate the homestead for fall too.

So if you are like me and find yourself with a plethora of pumpkins and squashes, I hope these recipes help you make a dent 🙂

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Homemade Ravioli with Butternut Squash & Cheese Filling

Roasted Butternut Squash Spiced Salad

Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It also contains magnesium and potassium, both help to contribute to bone and cell health. Source

I try to make it a goal for myself to always cook pure food and nutrient-dense food.

Think about this – back in the day there were no multivitamins or supplements. People got all the nutrients they needed from food itself. Now I take vitamins and supplements, so I’m not saying they are bad. But while we have these things at our fingertips, it’s more important to try to get your daily nutrients from food first. To me, the vitamins are like a booster in case you miss something in the day. Knowing which vitamins and minerals our food gives us can help us protect our immune systems, reduce risks of diseases, and let us live a long and healthy life.

More Fall Recipes from the Homestead Kitchen

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Chocolate Pumpkin Bread from a Fresh Pumpkin

Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Lamb

Homestead Apple Pie on Sourdough Pie Crust

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

TOOLS NEEDED

Sharp Knife

Cutting Board

Squash Peeler

Baking Tray lined with parchment paper

Cast Iron Skillet (you could also use an Instant Pot or Dutch Oven)

INGREDIENTS

Taco Filling:

One half of a butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, diced

one head of garlic (about 6 cloves), peeled and diced

dash of olive oil

Taco Seasoning:

1/4 C water (optional)

1 tablespoon salt

one teaspoon paprika

one teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon parsley

Toppings (optional):

Lettuce

Shredded Cheese

Salsa

THE PROCESS

Cut, peel, and cube the butternut squash. Roast it in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt at 375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, or until cubes are soft. Set aside.

In a skillet on medium heat, sauté the onions with the ground beef. Drain the fat if necessary, then add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Then add the butternut squash cubes and stir together.

Create the taco seasoning by adding the water and spices into a small bowl and stirring together. Then pour over the beef & squash mixture, on low heat, and stir.

Add a scoop of the beef & squash mixture to a tortilla and add toppings of choice (I like lettuce, cheese, and salsa). Enjoy!

HOW TO ROAST A BUTTERNUT SQUASH

There are two ways to roast a butternut squash.

The first method is good if you are making a soup or butternut squash puree:

1. Use a sharp knife to cut open the butternut squash into two halves.
2. Scoop the seeds and insides out using a spoon.
3. Place the butternut squash halves with skin side down on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season as desired.
4. Roast at 375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, or until soft.
5. Let cool, then scoop the squash out of the skin. It should scoop out easily.

The second method is for when you need your butternut squash in chunks (for salad, tacos, roasts, etc.)

1. Use a sharp knife to cut open the butternut squash into two halves.
2. Scoop the seeds and insides out using a spoon.
3. Using a squash peeler, peel the skin off the butternut squash.
4. Chop the butternut squash into 1 inch chunks.
5. Spread the squash chunks out on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season as desired.
6. Roast at 375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, or until soft. Let cool, then serve.

FAQs:

What spices pair well with butternut squash?

Our go-to spice for butternut squash is paprika. I use paprika on butternut squash tacos, salad, or on a plain roasted squash dish. Of course, adding salt, pepper, garlic, and onion is always a good idea.

Wanna know a secret spice I used in butternut squash soup? Cinnamon. It’s a warming and festive flavor for the soup that I really enjoy.

Is roasted butternut squash healthy?

Absolutely! Butternut squash contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When roasted, you can use butternut squash in soups, tacos, salad, or just plain. Pair it with a side of vegetables or mix it in a soup with bone broth and you have yourself a very healthy (and delicious) meal.

What does roasted butternut squash go well with?

Here are some recipes to use up your butternut squash:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Homemade Ravioli with Butternut Squash & Cheese Filling

Roasted Butternut Squash Spiced Salad

Roasted butternut squash goes will with any combination of meat and vegetables, as long as you pair them all with similar spices. For example, you could roast butternut squash with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic & onion powder, and some chili flakes. Then, serve that on the side of cast iron brussels sprouts and seared steak, also seasoned with those spices.

Eating butternut squash alone, without any seasoning, is pretty bland. So what that means for you is that you can spice it up any way you like and it can go with just about anything.

Is roasted butternut squash supposed to be soft?

Yes, you know your butternut squash is done roasting when it’s soft to the touch.

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