Food Matters

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With the days getting shorter and cooler, our food cravings begin to change as well. This is the perfect time of year to start indulging inchange as well. This is the perfect time of year to start indulging in hearty casseroles and soups (and they save time and $$!). And with allhearty casseroles and soups (and they save time and $$!). And with all the fresh vegetables available right now, we have an opportunity to eatthe fresh vegetables available right now, we have an opportunity to eat the rainbow at it’s freshest and improve our nutrition.the rainbow at it’s freshest and improve our nutrition.

Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole

**Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Casserole**

This **Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole** is savory, spicy, wholesome, and perfect for a quick and easy dinner! Made with simple ingredients, this make-ahead meal can be made entirely in a casserole dish and is bursting with flavor. This is **healthy comfort food** that the entire family will love!

Prep: 5minutes minutes Cook: 30minutes minutes Servings: 4 Servings

**Ingredients** * 1 lb frozen butternut squash, cubed (about 3-4 cups) * 1 large bell pepper (sliced or chopped) * 1 Tbsp olive oil * 1 tsp paprika * 1/2 tsp garlic powder * salt/pepper (to taste) * 1 15 oz. can black beans (drained) * 1 cup cooked ground beef * 1 cup shredded cheese * 1 cup chopped kale * 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional) **Instructions** 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Place the squash and pepper in the casserole dish and drizzle with olive oil. 3. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until squash just begins to soften. 4. Drain any extra liquid in the casserole dish. 5. Mix in the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, black beans, cooked ground beef, half of the cheese, and kale to the casserole dish. 6. Top with remaining cheese. 7. Bake for another 10 minutes (or until everything is soft). 8. Top with crushed red pepper (optional).

**Notes** * Prep the ground beef ahead of time so that it’s ready to go! * Cook the butternut squash in the casserole dish just until soft, but not too soft (as it will continue to cook with the other ingredients). * Use pre-cut or frozen butternut squash to help save time. * Adjust the spicy level of this recipe by adding more (or less) crushed red pepper! * This recipe can easily be made ahead and frozen, or double the recipe and make two so you can freeze one.