Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Skillet with Sage and Onion

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-06 · Updated 2026-08-06

A savory Whole30 skillet combining seasoned ground beef with tender butternut squash and caramelized onions, infused with earthy sage. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), butternut squash, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 3 cups, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes butternut squash
• 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp, chopped fresh sage leaves
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp, divided sea salt
• 1 tsp, divided black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth (Whole30 compliant)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced large yellow onion with 1/2 tsp sea salt and sauté for 8-10 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
2. Step 2: Add 3 cups diced butternut squash to the skillet with the onions and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until squash is tender.
4. Step 4: While squash cooks, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef seasoned with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage to the cooked beef, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Combine the beef with the cooked squash and onions in the large skillet. Stir well and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper if needed. Serve warm.