Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Total Time: 40 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil 
• 3 cups 1/2 inch diced, peeled butternut squash (about a 2 lbs squash)
• Salt and pepper to season 
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1/2 jalapeño, diced 
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 8 yellow corn tortillas, cut into thick strips 
• 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce 
• 1 cup shredded colby jack or mexican cheese, divided 
• Cilantro and greek yogurt, for serving 

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a large oven-proof skillet and place over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and jalapeño and cook 3-5 minutes until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant. 
2. Add cubed squash, cumin and chili powder and season with salt and pepper. While cooking, stir occasionally, until the squash is slightly tender, about 10 minutes or so. Sometimes it helps if you cover the pan with a lid to create condensation, which will help to speed up the cooking time. You want the squash to be fork tender, but not so tender that it starts to fall apart and become mush.
3. Next, add the black beans, corn tortilla pieces, and the can of enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of cheese. Stir again and simmer for a few minutes. Turn on your oven broiler to high. 
4. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese (or more if you’d like!) over the top of the enchilada mixture and place in oven under broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Feel free to add in cilantro. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce if you’d like! Enjoy.

Why we Recommend This Recipe:

1. Heart-Healthy Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: Rich in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: High in monounsaturated fats, which are known for their heart health benefits, helping to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
• Beans: A lean protein source that is lower in saturated fat compared to animal meats and packed with fiber, which can help support heart health and lower blood pressure.

2. Rich in Nutrients

This dish offers a variety of important vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A from the squash for healthy skin and immune function.
• Iron from the beans to support blood health.
• Calcium from the cheese, essential for bone health.

3. Balanced Meal

The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables makes this a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer, supporting weight management, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Ingredients like olive oil, garlic, onions, and spices have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body—a factor linked to hypertension and heart disease.

Recipe provided by Ambitious Kitchen