Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish that’s beloved around the world. Combining the classic layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce with the sweet and creamy texture of butternut squash creates a lasagna that’s both familiar and excitingly different. This variant adds a touch of autumnal flavor to an otherwise hearty and robust meal, making it an excellent choice for seasonal gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
In this dish, butternut squash is often roasted to enhance its natural sweetness and then pureed or layered in slices, becoming one of the star elements of the casserole. It can serve as an innovative replacement for some of the cheese usually found in lasagna, making it lighter and adding a nutrient-packed component. Alternatively, the squash can be incorporated alongside traditional ricotta or béchamel sauce, contributing to a richer texture and a more complex flavor profile.
The meat, typically ground beef or Italian sausage, is sautéed with onions, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano, simmered in a tomato-based sauce to create a savory contrast to the butternut squash’s sweetness. Layers of lasagna noodles provide the essential structure, while a mix of cheeses—like mozzarella, parmesan, and sometimes ricotta—give the dish the beloved gooey, melty quality.
Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna Recipe
Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 medium-size skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 small onionminced
- 3 garlic clovesminced
- 1 1/2 lbs turkeyground
- 4 cups tomatoescanned diced
- 1 can 4 oz tomato paste
- to taste sea salt
- to taste black pepperground
- 1 tsp basildried
- 1 tsp oreganodried
- 1 large butternut squashpeeled seeded and cut into thin slices
- 4 tbsp parsleychopped
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.
Tips for making about Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna
Cooking tips
- Preparing the Butternut Squash:
- To enhance its natural sweetness, roast the butternut squash before adding it to the lasagna. If using it in pureed form, roasting the squash first brings out a deeper flavor.
- When layering with slices, ensure they are thin enough to become tender during the baking process, yet thick enough to hold their shape and add texture.
- Meat Sauce:
- Cook the meat thoroughly with onions, garlic, and herbs before combining it with the tomato sauce. Allowing the sauce to simmer helps the flavors meld together.
- If you choose sausage, remove it from its casing and break it up while browning to distribute evenly in the sauce.
- Cheese Considerations:
- Combine cheeses like ricotta with egg and parmesan to create a creamy layer that will bind well with other ingredients when baked.
- Sprinkle mozzarella between layers but also ensure plenty is reserved for the top to achieve a golden, bubbling finish.
- Layering Your Lasagna:
- Start with a base layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your lasagna dish to help prevent noodles from sticking.
- Follow a consistent order of layers: noodles, meat sauce, butternut squash (sliced or pureed), cheese mixture, and repeat. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Cooking Time and Temperature:
- Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven, typically at about 375°F (190°C) to ensure that every layer cooks through without scorching the top.
- Covering the lasagna with aluminum foil can prevent excessive browning early on; remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to brown.
Serving suggestions
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a fresh contrast to the rich and creamy lasagna. Consider greens like arugula or mixed baby lettuces and add-ins like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any sauce and complements the Italian flavors of the lasagna. You could opt for a traditional garlic butter topping or a garlic-infused olive oil drizzle.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would make a nutritious and colorful addition to the plate, offering a tender-crisp texture against the soft layers of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier accompaniment, consider roasted vegetables such as brussels sprouts or bell peppers. The slight charring from roasting can pair nicely with the caramelized edges of the lasagna.
- Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts to start the meal. It’s a festive and sociable way to kick off the dining experience.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Zinfandel, can complement the savory meat sauce and the sweetness of the butternut squash. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied white like Chardonnay could also be a good match.
Top 5 FAQs about Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna
- What makes Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna different from traditional lasagna? Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna incorporates the sweet and creamy texture of butternut squash, offering a seasonal twist to the classic dish. It’s a heartwarming combination that brings an autumnal flavor profile with a unique yet satisfying taste.
- How should I prepare the butternut squash for the lasagna? The butternut squash should be roasted to enhance its natural sweetness before being added to the lasagna. You can either puree it or slice it for layering. If opting for slices, make sure they are cut thin enough to become tender during baking but thick enough to hold their shape and add texture.
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef or Italian sausage? Yes, while the context emphasizes ground beef or Italian sausage for the savory contrast, you may use your preferred choice of protein such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just ensure you sauté it well with onions, garlic, and herbs to build flavor.
- What kind of cheese should I use in Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna? A mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan is recommended, and sometimes ricotta is also used to give the dish its beloved gooey, melty quality. Some recipes might use the butternut squash as a replacement for some of the cheese, creating a lighter version.
- What are the best ways to serve Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna? Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna can be served with a side salad or garlic bread to complement its rich flavors. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Zinfandel, pairs wonderfully with it. Remember to allow the lasagna to rest before serving to make slicing easier.
In conclusion, Butternut Squash Meat Lasagna stands out as a creative take on the cherished classic lasagna. Its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese are elevated by the sweet and nutritious addition of butternut squash, bringing a delightful twist to every bite. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this dish showcases the versatility and depth that can be achieved in comfort food.
Roasting the squash helps to deepen its flavor, complementing the savory notes of the meat and the creamy richness of the assorted cheeses. Attention to detail in the layering process pays off in the final presentation and texture of the lasagna, with just the right balance between each element. Finished off with a golden cheese topping, it’s visually appealing and inviting.