As the days of autumn set in with their characteristic mildness, our taste buds awake to the idea of comfort food that warms the soul.
In this quest for fall flavors, the Buttercup Squash, Mushrooms and French Ground Beef Gratin emerges as a delicious combination of textures and tastes. This perfect marriage of velvety squash, savory mushrooms and ground beef offers a taste experience that is both rustic and sophisticated. In this article, we'll show you the steps to making this comforting dish, as well as tips for avoiding waste while exploring the flavors of the season.
Buttercup squash, mushroom and ground beef gratin
Estimated preparation time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Kitchen tools needed
A large kitchen knife
A cutting board
A large saucepan
A frying pan
A gratin dish
A wooden spoon
A thrifty
Clever use of ingredients
When peeling the buttercup squash for this gratin, do not discard the seeds. Rinse them, season them and roast them in the oven for a crunchy snack full of nutrients.
Ingredients
1 Buttercup squash
200g fresh mushrooms
200g pasta of your choice
500g ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
100g of grated cheese (comté, emmental or gruyere)
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh (or dried) thyme
100ml fresh cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Peel the buttercup squash, remove the seeds and cut into small cubes.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the squash cubes to the water 10 minutes before the end of cooking the pasta. Drain everything and set aside.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the onion and garlic. Clean the mushrooms and cut them into slices.
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until golden.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until nicely browned. Season with salt, pepper and thyme.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until golden brown.
In the gratin dish, combine the cooked pasta and squash cubes with the beef and mushroom mixture. Add the fresh cream and mix well.
Sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the gratin.
Bake the gratin for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and browned.
Serve hot and enjoy your buttercup squash, mushrooms and French-style ground beef gratin.
*Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 450cal
Carbs: About 30g
Fat: Approximately 25g
Protein: Approximately 25g
Fiber: Approx 5g
*These estimates may vary due to variations in ingredients and serving sizes. For accurate nutritional information, it would be best to use an online nutritional calculator by entering specific details of the ingredients and amounts you are using.
Magic Key
To add a touch of magic to this gratin, sprinkle a little breadcrumbs mixed with aromatic herbs on top before baking in the oven. This will create an irresistible crispy layer.
Anti-waste
Use the pumpkin peelings to make a broth: Instead to discard the peelings of the squash, make a delicious homemade broth. Boil the peelings with some vegetables (carrots, onions, celery) and spices in water. Once the broth is ready, use it as a base for other recipes or to cook soups.
Turn leftovers into a soufflé:If you have leftover this gratin, do not let them go to waste. Turn them into a soufflé by mixing the leftovers with beaten eggs and a little milk. Pour the mixture into a gratin dish, sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake in the oven until puffed and golden. This will create a tasty new version of the original dish.
Freeze individual servings: If you are preparing a large quantity of gratin and any leftovers, divide individual portions into airtight containers and freeze. So you'll have ready-made meals for those days when you don't have time to cook. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave and enjoy.
Buttercup Squash, Mushroom and French Ground Beef Gratin evokes the essence of fall in every bite. By skillfully combining the flavors of the season, this comforting dish promises to satisfy your taste buds while warming your heart. Enjoy this creative recipe that celebrates the bounty of fall harvests while avoiding waste. Let yourself be enchanted by the aromas, textures and memories that this gratin will awaken, transforming your meals into a true autumn taste experience. Another recipe by ChefTouski!
Bon appetit and bon voyage!
