Cheesy Minced Meat & Pumpkin Bake
Gluten-FreeHigh ProteinBakingDinnerComfort Food
Easy
45min
420kcal
4people
MACROS
per serving※gProtein
◆gFat
▣gCarbs
◎gSugar
◇gFiber
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A comforting, savory bake combining sweet roasted pumpkin, seasoned minced meat, and a bubbling layer of melted cheese.
If you are craving the sweet and savory combination of butternut squash but want to use what you have on hand, this Cheesy Minced Meat & Pumpkin Bake is the ultimate healthy comfort food. Pumpkin has an incredibly similar texture and flavor profile to butternut squash, making it the perfect base for this hearty, warming casserole. This Cheesy Minced Meat & Pumpkin Bake brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin cubes with the deep, savory richness of browned minced meat, all tied together by a bubbling, golden-brown layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb, high-protein meal that feels like an absolute indulgence.
When you roast the pumpkin, its natural sugars caramelize, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs mixed into the meat. The addition of tomato paste provides a touch of umami and acidity to balance the sweetness of the squash substitute. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner, this Cheesy Minced Meat & Pumpkin Bake delivers on all fronts. It is effortlessly gluten-free and packed with nutrients. The gooey mozzarella cheese on top gets beautifully crisp at the edges, creating a contrast of textures that will have everyone going back for seconds. Serve it as a stand-alone meal or alongside a crisp green salad for a perfectly balanced dining experience!
Ingredients
- 600 g Pumpkin (about 4 cups cubed)
- 500 g Minced Meat (about 1 lb)
- 150 g Mozzarella Cheese (about 1.5 cups shredded)
- 1 medium Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the cubed pumpkin with the olive oil, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper.
- 2Spread the seasoned pumpkin evenly in a baking dish and roast for 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- 3While the squash substitute is roasting, place a skillet over medium heat. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté them until soft and fragrant.
- 4Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned.
- 5Stir the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and black pepper into the meat. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- 6Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the savory meat mixture evenly over the roasted pumpkin.
- 7Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- 8Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
Chef's Tips
- •Cut the pumpkin into even, bite-sized cubes so they roast at the exact same rate.
- •If you love a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the final 2 minutes of baking until the cheese develops golden-brown spots.
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