Step 1: Prep and Roast

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In your favorite casserole dish, combine the frozen butternut squash and sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes. The goal here is to let the squash begin to soften slightly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Remove the dish from the oven and drain any excess liquid that has accumulated. Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, drained black beans, cooked ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, and the chopped kale.

Step 3: Final Bake

Top the mixture with the remaining cheese. Place the dish back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the vegetables are perfectly tender. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper if you prefer a little heat before serving.

Pro Tips

• Cook your ground beef in large batches ahead of time so it is ready to toss in for quick weeknight dinners.
• Be careful not to overcook the squash during the first stage, as it will continue to soften during the second bake.
• Use parchment paper under the ingredients for an even faster cleanup.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spice level based on your family’s preferences.