Savory Butternut Squash Garlic Steak (Printable)

Wholesome bowls featuring seared garlic herb steak, roasted butternut squash, fluffy quinoa, and rich garlic cream.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
02 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Grains

06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
07 - 2 cups water

→ Protein

08 - 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Dairy

09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt

→ Oils and Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F
02 - Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the chopped herbs. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender
03 - Bring 2 cups water to boil in medium saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside
04 - Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat steak cubes dry and season with remaining salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned to desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes
05 - Combine minced garlic, heavy cream or Greek yogurt, remaining herbs, and pinch of salt in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy
06 - Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top each with roasted butternut squash and steak cubes. Drizzle generously with garlic herb sauce
07 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like you spent your whole afternoon in the kitchen.
  • Every component can be prepped ahead, so busy weeknights feel manageable and weekday lunches become something you actually look forward to.
  • The roasted squash gets so caramelized and sweet it feels like a vegetable revelation, especially if you've been skeptical about butternut squash before.
02 -
  • Pat your steak completely dry before it hits the skillet, otherwise you'll steam it instead of sear it and lose that beautiful caramelization that makes the whole dish sing.
  • Don't skip rinsing the quinoa; it makes an actual difference in how light and separate each grain stays instead of becoming a gummy mass.
03 -
  • Marinate your steak cubes in garlic, herbs, and olive oil for 30 minutes before searing if you want even deeper flavor and a more tender bite.
  • Roast the squash cut side down first to get better caramelization, then flip and finish cooking, though the method here works beautifully if you're watching the clock.
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