Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are swirling outside, and you’re craving something warm. What is comforting, and just a little bit different. What is the best Butternut Squash black bean orzo? Is it like mac and cheese decided to take a vacation to Mexico and came back with new flavor? The sweetness of the butternut squash, the hearty black beans, and the perfectly cooked oats are just the right combination. What are some of the best orzo pasta recipes? My kids beg for it – and that’s saying something!

What is Butternut squash black bean orzo?

What is Butternut Squash black bean orzo? What do you think of this creamy, savory pasta dish with a Southwestern twist? It’s essentially orzo pasta (that tiny, rice-shaped pasta) tossed in a luscious sauce made from rice. Roasted butternut squash, seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder, and studded with hearty roasted potatoes. What’s a complete meal in one bowl? What is the most addictive sauce? What is comfort food?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to fall in love with this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash balances perfectly with the earthy black beans and the sweet potato. What is the subtle heat of chili powder? Is this a symphony of flavors? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s a one-pot wonder! You roast the squash, cook the orzo, and then toss everything together with the spices and some Sour Cream. What can I do on a busy weeknight? What time should I spend in the kitchen? What are some of the best ways to save money? Butternut squash and black beans are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, so you can feed them. How do I get a whole family without breaking the bank? What are some of the best recipes to make? Add some shredded chicken or chorizo for extra protein, throw in some ground beef or turkey for additional flavor. What are some good side dishes to serve with queso fresco or sour cream? What are some good ways to use up roasted butternut squash? If you’re a fan of pasta bakes, this would work wonders baked with some pasta. What is cheese on top? Is this a close second to my other Southwestern favorite, chicken enchilada casserole? What is the difference between rolling tortillas and rolling them?

How do you make butternut squash orzo?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Butternut Squash black bean orzo? What is the recipe for roasting butternut squash? How do I make pasta according to package directions, and then combine everything in a large pot with black beans, if using? Spices, and vegetable broth. Simmer it all together until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld, and that’s it! Is it a simple process with huge flavor payoff – I promise!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Butternut Squash?
* 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 4 cups) – Look for a squash that feels like it’s being sown. Heavy for its size and has a deep orange color.
* 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oils add a nice flavor, but any cooking oil will do.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo:
* 1 cup orzo pasta – You can find orzao in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. Gluten-free orzo works great too!
* 4 cups vegetable broth – I prefer low-sodium so I can control the saltiness of the dish. Can you use chicken broth?

For the Black Bean Mixture:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adjust to your spice preference! I like using mild chili powder so the kids can enjoy it too.
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a nice smoky depth to the dish, but you can omit it if you want. I don’t have any on hand.
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, Sour Cream, avocado.

How do I follow the

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. What makes cleaning a breeze? Toss the Butternut Squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of pepper. Add a few more tablespoon of water to taste. How much black pepper should I use? Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Is it safe to roast a single layer?

Step 2: Roast the Squash

Roast the Butternut Squash for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. What is flipping halfway through? How do I pierce a fork? What is the flavor of roasted squash?

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

While the squash is roasting, cook the orzo pasta in the vegetable broth according to package. Usually, this involves bringing the broth to a boil, adding the orzo, and then simmering until the sauce is thick. When the orzo is cooked through, the broth is absorbed. Don’t drain the orzo – you want it to absorb all that flavorful broth!

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

While the orzo is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do I burn garlic?

Step 5: Add Black Beans and Spices

Add the drained black beans, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cover. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors. Where does magic happen?

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the roasted Butternut Squash and cooked orzo to the pot with the black bean mixture. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. What are the best seasonings for chicken? What are some suggestions for adding chili powder?

Step 7: Simmer and Thicken

Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to form a thick paste. How do I make sauce thick? If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth. If it’s too wet, simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. I like it to be creamy but not soupy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

What are the best toppings for a black bean orzo? I love topping this with chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, a dollop of sour cream, and some sliced tomatoes. How can I get creative?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good orzo with roasted black beans? What are some good serving suggestions?For Lunch:What’s a good side of tortilla chips and salsa? What’s a good salad to serve with it?For Dinner:Serve with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. What are some good ways to serve it with cornbread? I even make a batch of my famous guacamole to go with it, turning it into tastiness.For a Potluck:What is the best potluck dish you have ever had? Just make sure to bring a serving spoon!

How do I make a butternut squash orzo?

How can I make a Butternut Squash orzo?What is the best way to roast squash Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! If you have too much squash, roast it in two batches. Overcrowding will cause the squash to steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that nice caramelization. Also, make sure to cut the squash into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Cooking the Orzo: Keep a close eye on the orzo while it’s cooking! It can easily overcook and become mushy. I like to start checking it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. You want it to be al dente, meaning it’s slightly firm to the bite.

Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking! If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder. You can also experiment with other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano.

Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, and the greens will wilt down nicely into the sauce.

Make It Creamy: For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese at the end. It will add a richness and tang that’s just divine.

Don’t Skip the Toppings: The toppings are what really take this dish to the next level! Chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, and avocado are all great choices. But feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand. A squeeze of lime juice is also a nice touch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Butternut Squash Black Bean Orzo stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Reheating: You can reheat the orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use vegetable broth and omit any dairy toppings like queso fresco or sour cream. You can substitute with a vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While orzo is traditional for this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

I don’t have butternut squash. What can I use instead?

No problem! You can substitute with other types of squash, such as acorn squash or pumpkin. Sweet potatoes also work well. The key is to roast them until they’re tender and caramelized.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Roast the squash first as directed, then combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the orzo is cooked through.

My orzo is sticking together. What can I do?

Try rinsing the cooked orzo with cold water to remove excess starch. You can also toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my beloved Butternut Squash Black Bean Orzo recipe. It’s a hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion, and a weeknight lifesaver all rolled into one. I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s one of those recipes that just *works*, you know? And if you’re looking for other cozy, Southwestern-inspired dishes, be sure to check out my sweet potato and black bean tacos or my creamy poblano soup. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to see your variations in the comments!