Butternut Squash & Beef Recipe – Serrano & Sage Indian Fusion

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Butternut Squash & Beef Recipe – Serrano & Sage Indian Fusion

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a bit of a fusion – taking cozy, comforting flavors and giving them a little Indian-inspired twist. I first made this during a particularly chilly autumn evening, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s warm, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butternut Squash & Beef isn’t your average weeknight meal. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet and savory, with a gentle warmth from the Serrano pepper and a lovely aromatic lift from the fresh sage. It’s hearty enough to be satisfying, but not too heavy, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a real treat for the eyes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 whole onion
• 1 whole Serrano pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ?? teaspoon cumin
• ?? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Big pinch nutmeg
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound peeled cubes of butternut squash
• Small handful fresh sage

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the most out of them:

Avocado Oil: Benefits & Substitutions

Avocado oil is my go-to for this recipe because of its high smoke point and subtle flavor. It lets the other ingredients really shine. But if you don’t have it, you can easily substitute with ghee (for a more traditional Indian flavor!), coconut oil, or even olive oil.

Serrano Pepper: Heat Level & Regional Variations

Serrano peppers pack a punch! They’re hotter than jalapeños, but not as fiery as habaneros. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half a pepper and taste as you go. In India, green chilies are used extensively, and the type varies by region – feel free to use your favorite!

Butternut Squash: Selecting & Preparing

Look for a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, with a hard, matte skin. This indicates it’s ripe and full of flavor. Peeling and cubing can be a little tricky, so I recommend using a sturdy vegetable peeler and a sharp knife. About 1-inch cubes work perfectly for this recipe.

Spices – Paprika, Cumin, Nutmeg: A Flavor Profile

This spice blend is where the magic happens! Paprika adds a lovely color and mild sweetness. Cumin brings that warm, earthy Indian flavor we all love. And a tiny pinch of nutmeg? It adds a surprising depth and complexity. Don’t skip it!

Ground Beef: Choosing the Right Cut

I usually use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe – it has enough fat to keep things flavorful and moist. But you can use leaner beef if you prefer. Just be mindful that it might cook a little faster.

Fresh Sage: Aroma & Uses

Fresh sage has such a wonderful, earthy aroma. It pairs beautifully with the butternut squash and beef. If you only have dried sage, use about 1 teaspoon, but fresh is always best.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced Serrano pepper. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes, until the onions soften and become translucent. This is where the base of our flavor starts to build.
3. Now, stir in the minced garlic, salt, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and that little pinch of nutmeg. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned all over – about 5-7 minutes.
5. Next, add the cubed butternut squash and mix everything together well.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.
7. Finally, remove the lid, stir in the fresh sage, and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet! If you’re making a large batch, cook the beef in two batches to ensure it browns properly.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• For a richer flavor, let the dish simmer for a little longer.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your spice labels to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Hot): Remove the seeds from the Serrano pepper for a milder flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of chili powder too!
• Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Diwali): During Navratri, you can skip the onion and garlic. For Diwali, a sprinkle of garam masala at the end adds a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Butternut Squash & Beef is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side of fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a nice finishing touch.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What is the best way to cut butternut squash for this recipe?

Cut off the ends, then carefully peel the skin. Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and then dice into 1-inch cubes.

Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! Kabocha squash or acorn squash would also work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the squash and beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the sage right before serving.

What can I serve with this Butternut Squash & Beef?

Basmati rice, naan bread, a side salad, or a dollop of yogurt are all great options.

How do I adjust the heat level of this dish?

Remove the seeds from the Serrano pepper, use less pepper, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Is avocado oil essential, or can I use another oil?

No, it’s not essential. Ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil are all good substitutes.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know what you think in the comments below!