This slow cooker beef and acorn squash dish is a simple, cozy dinner that’s easy to make again and again. Ground beef cooks together with sweet, nutty acorn squash in one pot, so you don’t need much prep at all. It’s a great pick for busy days when you want something warm and filling but don’t want to stand by the stove. This meal has that plain, homestyle feel of an old Midwest supper, where the slow cooker does most of the work while the squash gets soft and soaks up all the tasty beef juice.
You can eat this dish just as it is in a bowl, or spoon it over steamed rice, buttery egg noodles, or soft mashed potatoes to make it go further. A crunchy green salad, simple roasted green beans, or buttery peas make nice side dishes too. A slice of crusty bread is great for soaking up the tasty liquid at the bottom. If you want a little extra flavor on top, try adding a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium acorn squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
Slow Cooker Beef and Acorn Squash: Directions
- Get the slow cooker ready. If you want, rub a little oil or cooking spray inside the slow cooker so nothing sticks. Spread the raw ground beef out in an even layer across the bottom. Try to break it up a bit with your hands or a spoon so it isn’t in one big clump. Then scatter the thin onion slices evenly over the top of the beef.
- Add the squash and broth. Take your cubed acorn squash and scatter the pieces evenly over the beef and onion layer, spreading them out so they cover most of the top. Slowly pour the beef broth over everything, letting it run down around the sides so the liquid reaches the beef at the bottom, not just the squash on top.
- Cook until tender. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the squash cubes feel soft when poked with a fork and the ground beef is cooked all the way through with no pink left.
- Stir, break up, and check taste. Take the lid off and use a large spoon to break the ground beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Stir everything together gently so the beef, onion, and squash mix well with the broth. Give it a quick taste, and add a little salt or pepper if you feel it needs more flavor. Serve the dish warm, right from the slow cooker.