MSG Free Beef and Butternut Squash Hash

Total time45 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time30 min

4.6

(4)

Savory, hearty, and packed with warm spice, this skillet dish brings together caramelized butternut squash and well-seasoned ground beef in a way that feels both comforting and genuinely nourishing. The coconut oil gives the squash a gorgeous golden crust before it ever meets the meat, and that textural contrast carries the whole dish. Turmeric and ginger do the heavy lifting on flavor here, which means there's no need for any packaged seasoning blends or bouillon cubes that often sneak in hidden additives. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up and keeps the flavors from feeling flat or one-dimensional. Fresh parsley and thyme scattered over the top add a pop of color and a herby finish that makes it look as good as it tastes. If you toss in the optional baby spinach, it wilts right into the hash and adds a little extra green without changing the flavor profile. Every ingredient is whole and straightforward, so you know exactly what's going into the pan and onto your plate.

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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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