Butternut Squash and Beef Lasagna

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 butternut squash (2 pounds)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time:

1 hour

Cooking Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Medium)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with 6 lasagna noodles.
8. Spread with butternut squash cubes.
9. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
10. Repeat layers.
11. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
12. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1/8 of lasagna):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60 grams
• Fat: 20 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Buttery squash and savory beef
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
• Easy to prepare and perfect for a special occasion

User Comments:

• "Absolutely delicious! The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness that complements the beef perfectly."
• "The texture of the lasagna is perfect, with the soft squash and crispy noodles."
• "I love that this lasagna is made with healthy ingredients, without sacrificing any of the flavor."
• "This dish was a huge hit at our party. Everyone raved about it!"
• "I've made this lasagna several times now and it always turns out amazing. It's become a family favorite."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a sharp knife to remove the skin from the butternut squash.
• Drain the ground beef thoroughly to remove excess fat.
• Season the sauce to taste, as you may prefer more or less oregano, basil, salt, or pepper.
• If you don't have lasagna noodles, you can substitute with other pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni.
• Let the lasagna cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.