If you’re craving something cozy, wholesome, and bursting with vibrant autumn flavors, this Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is a total game-changer. It layers tender, thinly sliced butternut squash with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella to create a comforting dish that feels fancy yet is delightfully simple to pull together. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing guests, this lasagna offers a beautiful balance of creamy, meaty, and subtly sweet notes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of round, orange slices that look like cooked sweet potatoes. Above this is a chunky, dark brown meat sauce with visible bits of tomato. On top of the sauce is a layer of shredded white cheese scattered unevenly. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe plays an essential role—from the naturally sweet butternut squash that replaces traditional pasta sheets to the hearty ground beef and luscious cheese that create layers of satisfying flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Butternut squash (2 lbs): Thinly sliced to add natural sweetness and a tender bite as a pasta substitute.
Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich, savory depth and protein to balance the sweetness of the squash.
Tomato-based pasta sauce (25 ounces): Use your favorite marinara or garden veggie sauce for a tangy, saucy layer that ties everything together.
Mozzarella cheese (16 ounces): The gooey, melty cheese that creates that perfect golden, bubbly finishing touch.

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the tough skin from your butternut squash, then slice it into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds. These slices will serve as your “lasagna noodles,” so aim for even thickness to ensure they cook perfectly. Don’t waste any of the squash—scoop out the seeds and slice the remaining flesh into thin U shapes to use in your layers.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Simmer the Sauce

Heat a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. You won’t need extra oil if your pan doesn’t stick. Break the beef apart with a spatula, cooking until it’s mostly browned and deliciously fragrant. Pour in your tomato-based pasta sauce and bring it up to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about five minutes to deepen the flavors, then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray—ideally one around 13 by 9 inches. Spread a thin layer of sauce along the bottom to keep the layers from sticking. Now, place a single layer of butternut squash slices so that they cover the dish without overlapping. Spoon a third of the meat sauce over the squash and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella over the sauce. Repeat these layers two more times until you’ve used all the ingredients.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and place it on the center rack in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, giving the butternut squash enough time to soften beautifully and meld with the savory layers. Once done, allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes before serving; this helps it set up for cleaner slices and richer flavors.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

A square piece of lasagna with four visible layers sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a rich brown meat sauce with visible small chunks, topped by a smooth, bright orange layer that looks like thinly sliced squash or pumpkin. Above this is another thick layer of the brown meat sauce mixed with melted white cheese, which also covers the top, slightly browned in spots. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top for color. The lasagna sits on a white plate with a silver fork next to it. In the blurred background, there is a white rectangular baking dish with more lasagna inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh basil or a handful of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous brightness to each slice. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the cheesy, savory magic of this lasagna, making each bite crave-worthy.

Side Dishes

This comforting lasagna shines when paired with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrettes, perfectly roasted root vegetables, or even crusty bread slathered with butter for soaking up the delicious sauce leftovers. The contrast in textures and flavors complements the rich layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation at your next dinner party, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personalized portions. Alternatively, build smaller, layered stacks on plates to showcase the vibrant hues of the butternut squash and gooey mozzarella, making every serving feel special and Instagram-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your leftover Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. For best quality, enjoy within two to three months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can also microwave single servings—just cover loosely and heat in bursts to keep it moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef for a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep the hearty texture while making it vegetarian-friendly.

Do I need to peel the butternut squash?

Peeling the butternut squash is important since the skin is tough and not pleasant to eat. The peeling process also helps you achieve tender, delicate layers perfect for lasagna.

What kind of cheese works best for this lasagna?

Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a classic lasagna texture, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor complexity. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it uncovered, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to add extra vegetables to this lasagna?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini slices, or roasted bell peppers all pair wonderfully in this recipe, adding additional layers of flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is a joyous celebration of fall flavors and comforting textures that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for hosting friends. Give it a try and watch it win hearts one delicious, cheesy slice at a time.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 74 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Butternut Squash Lasagna is a hearty and healthy twist on traditional lasagna, layering tender slices of butternut squash with savory ground beef, rich tomato-based pasta sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting casserole-style dish baked to perfection, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Meat

2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and sliced into ¼ to ½-inch slices
1 pound ground beef

Sauce

25 ounces tomato-based pasta sauce (marinara, garden veggie, or homemade tomato sauce works well)

Cheese

16 ounces mozzarella cheese or melting cheese of choice, grated

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the lasagna.
Prepare Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut off the ends and slice it into ¼ to ½ inch rounds starting from the tip, then scoop out seeds from the tail end and continue slicing into thin U shapes, using the entire squash.
Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Brown it until almost fully cooked, without adding oil unless necessary.
Add Sauce to Meat: Stir in the tomato-based pasta sauce with the browned beef. Bring to a controlled boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble Lasagna: Spray a 13” x 9” casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread a light layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of butternut squash slices without overlapping. Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly over the squash, then sprinkle one-third of the grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Repeat to create two more identical layers.
Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the butternut squash is tender to your liking.
Cool and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of side dishes such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or bread and butter.

Notes

You can use marinara, garden veggie, or homemade tomato sauce interchangeably for best flavor.
Make sure the butternut squash slices are thin and even for uniform cooking.
Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with any melting cheese of your preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian