Butternut squash meat lasagna is a creative twist on the classic Italian dish, traditionally made with layers of pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and bechamel. In this variation, the richness of butternut squash offers a sweet and nutty contrast to the savory meat sauce and the creamy layers of cheese. The process of crafting this dish typically involves roasting the squash to bring out its natural sugars and depth of flavor, making it a hearty component that holds up well against the other robust elements of lasagna.

This version of lasagna is worth exploring for those interested in experimenting with different flavors or incorporating more vegetables into their meals. The butternut squash can either be puréed, making it a smooth addition to the layers or diced for a more textured experience. It also pairs well with a variety of cheeses, from the traditional ricotta and mozzarella to a sharper Parmesan or even a milder fontina, which complement the squash’s sweet profile.

Balancing the flavors in butternut squash meat lasagna is key. Seasoning the meat — which can be ground beef, pork, or even a mixture of both — with herbs like sage or thyme can echo the autumnal notes of the squash. Moreover, incorporating vegetables such as spinach or kale in the layers can add complexity and nutrition to the dish.

Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna Recipe

Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna

Butternut squash meat lasagna is a variation of traditional lasagna that incorporates butternut squash into the dish. The use of butternut squash provides a sweet, nutty flavor and a velvety texture to the lasagna, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy the addition of seasonal vegetables to their meals. The recipe for butternut squash meat lasagna typically involves layers of lasagna noodles, cheese, a meat-based sauce, and pureed or roasted butternut squash.

Preparing this dish usually begins with roasting the butternut squash until it's soft and caramelized, which enhances its sweetness and makes it easy to blend into a smooth puree. The meat sauce is another key component, often made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, simmered to develop a rich flavor. In assembling the lasagna, a layer of noodles is often followed by a meat sauce layer, a cheese layer (which may include ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan), and a layer of the butternut squash puree. This layering process is repeated, finishing with cheese on top.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

1 oven

Ingredients

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 small onion minced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 1/2 lbs turkey ground
4 cups tomatoes canned diced
1 can 4 oz tomato paste
to taste sea salt
to taste black pepper ground
1 tsp basil dried
1 tsp oregano dried
1 large butternut squash peeled seeded and cut into thin slices
4 tbsp parsley chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat, heat coconut oil and cook the onions and the garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Add the next 5 ingredients (tomatoes through oregano) and season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat down to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
To prepare the lasagna, in a medium-large size baking dish, alternating layers of butternut squash slices with layers of the meat sauce. Keep making layers until all of the ingredients have been used.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the squash is soft and tender. Serve warm garnished with parsley.

Keyword butternut squash

Tips for making about Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna

Cooking tips

Prepare the squash: For best results, roast the butternut squash to enhance its sweetness and make it soft enough to layer into the lasagna. You can peel, seed, and dice the squash before roasting, or you can roast it halved with the seeds scooped out. To puree, simply scoop the soft flesh out of the roasted skin and blend until smooth. This puree can serve as a layer itself or be mixed into the cheese.
Season the squash: To balance the sweetness of the squash, add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and perhaps sage or thyme. This will complement the overall flavor of the dish.
Meat sauce: Choose a meat sauce that will stand up to the sweetness of the squash. A traditional Bolognese made with ground beef or sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs provides a robust flavor. For an extra dimension, consider using a splash of red wine in the sauce for depth.
Layer thoughtfully: Creating a balance of flavors and textures in each layer is key. Begin with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the lasagna from sticking. Then, layer noodles, followed by squash (or squash-infused cheese), meat sauce, and shredded or sliced cheese, like mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Infuse with cheese: For the cheese layer, ricotta is commonly used, often beaten with an egg to help set the lasagna. Infusing the ricotta with pureed butternut squash adds a unique twist. You could also add parmesan for additional flavor.
Choose the right noodles: There are no-boil lasagna noodles available that can save time and effort. If you opt for traditional noodles, make sure to cook them just until they’re pliable but not completely soft, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Rest before serving: After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This rest time allows the layers to set, which makes serving easier and helps the flavors meld.
Garnish and serve: Fresh basil or parsley can add a pop of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled over the top when serving.

Serving suggestions

Pair with a Simple Salad: A light, simple green salad dressed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy lasagna.
Add Rustic Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up any sauce that might be remaining on the plate.
Accompany with Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccolini, asparagus, or brussels sprouts make a great side, offering a bit of crunch and slight bitterness to balance the sweetness of the squash.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the top of the lasagna with fresh basil or sage leaves to add color and an aromatic touch that echoes the herbs within the dish.
Choose the Right Beverages: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Merlot can complement the savory meat sauce, while a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio can cut through the richness.
Serve in Appropriately Warm Portions: Because of the cheese and béchamel sauce, this lasagna tastes best served warm, allowing all the layers to meld together perfectly.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven so that it solidifies slightly, making it easier to cut into portions without it falling apart.

Top 5 FAQs about Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna

What type of meat works best for Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna? A rich meat sauce made with ground beef or sausage provides robust flavor that complements the sweetness of butternut squash. Leaner meats like turkey can also be used as a healthier option, though additional spices may be needed to enhance the flavor.
Can Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can easily modify the recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or kale. For a vegan version, use plant-based meat substitutes and cheese alternatives that melt well.
How do you prepare the butternut squash for the lasagna? The butternut squash should be peeled, seeded, and either diced and roasted or roasted whole until tender, then pureed. Roasting enhances the squash’s natural sweetness and allows it to blend smoothly into the layers of the lasagna.
Can you make Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. You can also fully bake the lasagna and then reheat it in the oven when ready to serve, which may even improve the flavors as they meld together.
How do you keep Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna from getting watery? To avoid a watery lasagna, ensure that the butternut squash is sufficiently roasted to remove excess moisture. Drain the meat sauce thoroughly and if using a ricotta cheese mixture, consider straining the ricotta or adding an egg to help it set. Let the lasagna rest before cutting into it to allow the layers to settle.

In conclusion, Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna offers a delightful culinary twist on the traditional lasagna by incorporating the sweet, nutty flavors and velvety texture of butternut squash. This unique addition elevates the dish to new heights, creating a comfort food experience that combines savory meat sauce and melty cheese with the squash’s milder sweetness. Preparing the squash through roasting accentuates its flavor and complements the layers of pasta, while a variety of cheeses can be adeptly suited to match the squash’s profile. The complex layering of diverse textures and tastes makes this variation of lasagna a satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or special occasions, especially during the fall season when butternut squash is at its peak. It’s not only a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine but also an affirmation of creative adaptations that infuse classic dishes with seasonal flair and innovation.

How to make Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna