Citric Acid Free Beef and Butternut Squash Hash
Hearty, colorful, and deeply satisfying, this skillet hash brings together caramelized butternut squash and savory ground beef in a way that feels like serious comfort food without any of the usual ingredient worries. Avoiding citric acid can be surprisingly tricky with packaged seasonings, canned goods, and store-bought sauces, but every single ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. Coconut oil does the heavy lifting in the pan, giving the squash those gorgeous golden edges while keeping the whole dish free from hidden additives. Turmeric and ginger add warmth and depth, and a splash of apple cider vinegar ties everything together with a gentle brightness that doesn't rely on citrus-derived preservatives. Fresh parsley and thyme scattered over the top at the end make it feel finished and restaurant-worthy with almost no extra effort. If you have baby spinach on hand, stirring it in at the last minute adds a pop of green and a little extra nutrition. This is the kind of one-pan dinner that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 3 cups butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, divided
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp of the coconut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the butternut squash cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. Stir and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and caramelized on most sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes, until softened and translucent.
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