• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Food
    • Recipe Index
    • Healthy Basics
    • Easy Everyday
    • Meal Planning
  • Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Gathering
  • Family
    • Baby
    • Life
    • Meal Time
  • Shop
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms
This is the logo for Jar Of Lemons

Jar Of Lemons

  • Food
    • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Snacks
    • Sweets
  • Home
  • Family
Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole with wooden spoon.

Gluten-Free | 01.08.21

Spicy Southwest 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!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As a busy mom of two boys, make-ahead meals that are healthy and easy to make are a staple. This Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole, also known as a Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole, is one of my favorites! Here’s what’s great about it:

  • It can be made ENTIRELY in one casserole dish (yay for easy cleanup!)
  • It’s made with frozen or pre-cut butternut squash to save time.
  • It’s so flavorful and delicious!
  • You can make it your own and freeze/refrigerate it for later.
  • This recipe can be made in just 35 minutes!

This is truly the ultimate healthy family meal!

Angled shot of Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole.

In this post

  • Ingredients
  • How to make a butternut squash casserole
    • Tips for making the BEST butternut squash casserole
  • More healthy casserole recipes
  • Make it your own
  • Can you freeze butternut squash casserole?
  • Healthy butternut squash recipes

Ingredients

I love that the ingredients for this recipe are SO simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole.

Butternut Squash – Fresh, frozen, or pre-cut butternut squash all work great!

Bell Pepper – Chop or slice a bell pepper for yummy flavor and nutrition!

Black Beans – Pinto or red beans are also a great substitute.

Ground Beef – You can also use ground turkey or chickpeas for a protein options.

Shredded Cheese – The cheese in this recipe brings the butternut squash casserole together. So yummy!

Chopped Kale – I’m loving chopped kale in this recipe for added protein and a crunchy texture that takes it to the next level!

Spicy Southwest Seasoning – Paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (optional) make up this savory and delicious seasoning.

TIP: Adjust the spicy level of this recipe by adding more (or less) crushed red pepper!

How to make a butternut squash casserole

This Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole tastes like an enchilada casserole and is incredibly easy to make! Here’s a quick overview of how to make it:

1. Combine the squash, bell pepper and oil in a casserole dish, then bake.

2. Add in the seasoning and mix.

  • Chopped peppers and frozen butternut squash in a casserole dish.
  • Seasoning added to butternut squash in a casserole dish.

3. Mix in the beans, ground beef, half of the cheese, and kale.

4. Top with remaining cheese and continue to bake!

  • Beans, kale, peppers, ground beef, and butternut squash in a casserole dish.
  • Uncooked butternut squash casserole topped with cheese.

Tips for making the BEST butternut squash casserole

  • 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.
Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole freshly out of the oven.

More healthy casserole recipes

  • Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
  • Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Freezer Meal)
  • Chicken Fajita Casserole
  • Paleo Chicken Mushroom Casserole
  • Easy Turkey Rice Casserole

Make it your own

Want to make this recipe your own? Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning and cheese to taste!

Another way to make it your own is to add or sub veggies. Zucchini, summer squash, sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, spinach, and cilantro are all delicious in this meal!

Top shot of Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole.

Can you freeze butternut squash casserole?

Yes! Butternut Squash Casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

To freeze, simply let the casserole completely cool and place in the refrigerator in an airtight container (without the lid) for an hour. Then close the lid and place in the freezer!

Close up of Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole.

If you’ve been on the search for an easy, healthy recipe that’s actually delicious and one that even picky eaters will love, then this Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole is for you. Have this delicious meal on the table in no time and be sure to save this recipe in your weekly dinner menu!

Healthy butternut squash recipes

  • Lightened-Up Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
  • Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
  • Maple Butternut Squash Quinoa Breakfast Bake
  • Roasted Butternut Squash & Garlic Quinoa

Loving this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below!

Spicy Southwest Butternut Squash Casserole with wooden spoon.
4.92 from 25 votes
Print Recipe

Spicy Southwest 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!
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 406 kcal
Author: Christine McMichael

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish

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

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the squash and pepper in the casserole dish and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until squash just begins to soften.
  • Drain any extra liquid in the casserole dish.
  • Mix in the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, black beans, cooked ground beef, half of the cheese, and kale to the casserole dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake for another 10 minutes (or until everything is soft).
  • Top with crushed red pepper (optional).
  • Serve and enjoy!

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 406 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 29 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 73 mg | Sodium: 238 mg | Potassium: 809 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 15521 IU | Vitamin C: 96 mg | Calcium: 236 mg | Iron: 3 mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @jar.of.lemons or tag #JarOfLemons!
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

you might also like

Baked Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Food | 11.09.18

Baked Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole - perfect for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner under 30 minutes!

Food | 10.05.16

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Food | 10.07.19

Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Lightened-Up Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese!

Food | 07.12.17

Lightened-Up Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rating




49 Comments

  1. Somer Keenan says:

    October 6, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    I wish I could post my picture of this. I am legitimately looking forward to this. I made the recipe bigger and I put the spice in the casserole. I am praying it won’t be dry. I’ll post an update after it comes out. I had fun making it. Oh yeah used ground turkey.

    Reply
  2. Amber Jordan says:

    March 5, 2019 at 11:10 pm

    4 stars
    This recipe tasted delicious but needed a bit more guidance. Are the black beans supposed to be drained? I made the casserole as written, but it was just a touch soupy. Not sure if that’s because of the black beans or just juicy squash. Also the layering order would be helpful. I put the squash down first, then the meat, then the black beans, followed by peppers and cheese. The beans dried out at the top and were a bit too firm. The flavor, though, AMAZING! Even went over well with my non-veggies/health-food-eating crew!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      March 6, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      Hi, Amber! Thanks for the honest feedback. My apologies for not being more clear in my recipe! Yes, the black beans should be drained. The recipe ingredients should be combined. I have updated this in the recipe! Again, so sorry for the misunderstand and glad to hear that you enjoyed the flavor! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Karly says:

    November 30, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    Wow, this looks amazing! I’ve never tried anything like it, but I love the pairing of the squash with big bold southwest flavors!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      December 11, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      Thank you, Karly! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Heather says:

    November 11, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Hi, you mention β€œpeppers”. What kind of peppers are you referring to? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      November 14, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      Hi, Heather! I love using mini sweet peppers. They work really great in recipes!

      Reply
  5. Sara says:

    October 31, 2017 at 9:20 am

    5 stars
    This would be perfect for Thanksgiving! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      November 3, 2017 at 11:11 am

      That’s so perfect! I hope you enjoy the recipe, Sara! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Diane Nikolaisen says:

    October 26, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    Hi, the picture definitely shows some spices…. perhaps chilli flakes and paprika? And yet, you don’t mention any, not even salt and pepper. Is anything missing in the recipe?

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 30, 2017 at 9:31 am

      Hi, Diane! Oh my goodness, you’re totally right! Updating that in the recipe right now. I added 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, and salt/pepper to taste. I hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
  7. Teri Stephens says:

    October 17, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    I can’t decide if I am more in love with the gorgeous photos or the simplicity of this wonderful recipe. This is so good!!!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Aww, thank you, Teri! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Catherine says:

    October 17, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    Dear Christine, this looks delicious! So hearty and comforting and I love the vegan variation…either way this would be a winner in my house!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Thanks so much, Catherine! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Veena Azmanov says:

    October 17, 2017 at 9:16 am

    5 stars
    I love roasting butternut squash. This looks so healthy and hearty. I love that you added cilantro. My favorite herb. So refreshing.

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Thanks, Veena! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Lauren @ Delicious Little Bites says:

    October 17, 2017 at 6:52 am

    5 stars
    I am always looking for new ways to use butternut squash! This looks amazing – definitely going to try it asap!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Me too, Lauren! Enjoy!

      Reply
  11. Adriana Lopez Martin says:

    October 17, 2017 at 1:00 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea using butternut squash in such a creative dish. Love all the ingredients and the clever combinations yummy!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Thanks, Adriana!

      Reply
  12. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says:

    October 16, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Oh wow, this looks like a great fall way to enjoy south west flavors. I would have never thought to use butternut squash that way!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm

      Thanks, Joanna!

      Reply
  13. Kathy McDaniel says:

    October 16, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    5 stars
    What a great use of butternut squash! It looks so delicious. At home we love Southwest flavors so I know it would be a big hit for us and put on rotation!

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm

      Thanks, Kathy! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Pam Wattenbarger says:

    October 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    This looks so good! I love Southwest flavors, and this casserole blends that with the best of fall.

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:34 pm

      Thanks, Pam!

      Reply
  15. Debi at Life Currents says:

    October 16, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    This looks delicious and sounds so easy. I love it when casseroles are so simple and have few ingredients.

    Reply
    • Christine McMichael replied:

      October 24, 2017 at 9:34 pm

      Thanks, Debi!

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

Hi I’m Christine

A photo of Christine posing for the camera

Welcome!

I’m Christine. Welcome to Jar Of Lemons! I hope you enjoy the healthy recipes, home organization tips, and family inspiration for a simply healthy everyday.

Five Day Nutrition Plan

FREE 5-day

Nutrition Plan

Christine holding a yogurt parfait
Click To Download

A Month Of Healthy Eats

A Month of Healthy Eats for the Busy Girl

Christine in her kitchen with a bowl of yogurt parfait

Healthy recipes, 4-week nutrition plan, grocery lists, and weekly workouts!

Get The Plan

eBookΒ β€’Β Amazon Paperback

Sliced apples, avocado, and celery on a countertop.

6 Ways To Keep Produce Fresh

Close up top shot of protein cookies on a white plate.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies

Close up of vegan buffalo chickpea bowls with a fork on a marble background.

Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Bowls

Follow @jar.of.lemons

elsewhere

  • Instagram

  • Pinterest

  • Facebook

Explore More
  • Healthy Dinners
  • Quick Lunches
  • Organizing
  • Easy Breakfasts
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Baby
  • Cleaning
  • Dairy-Free
  • Life
  • Less Meat
  • Gathering
  • Meal Time

Get In Touch

Contact Us
JOL Logo Beige

copyright jar of lemons 2021 | site by katelyn calautti | Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions

A photo of Christine holding a yogurt parfait

FREE download

5-Day Nutrition Plan

Enter your email address and get our our free 5-day Nutrition Plan download jam packed with all that you’ll need to try out a week of eating healthy.