Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, cut and seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (use Russet baker potatoes, about 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 34 cup milk
  • seasoning salt (I use about 2 teaspoons salt)
  • pepper
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • Tabasco sauce (optional)
  • 1 egg (to be added in towards the end)
  • 3 onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
  • 2 -3 celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 1 12 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • seasoning salt or regular salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 (28 ounce) canplum Italian-style tomatoes, drained and cut up
  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into about 1/2-inch lengths
  • 12 cup grated parmesan cheese (or to taste, can use grated cheddar cheese, or use both!)
  • paprika

Method

  • To make the topping: cook squash and potatoes in boiling water until tender (about 12-15 minutes) drain and return to the pot.
  • Add in milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg and Tabasco sauce (if using).
  • Mash with a potato masher until fluffy; set aside to cool slightly.
  • To make the filling: In a large skillet saute the onion and celery until soft (about 5-6 minutes).
  • Add in garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes; remove to a plate.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Stir in basil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, the reserved onion mixture and the 2 tablespoons flour.
  • Add in the drained tomatoes and green beans; mix to combine and bring to a boil.
  • Lower temperature; cover and cook for about 20 minutes (seasoning with more spices to suit taste).
  • Spoon/spread the ground beef mixture into a 13 x 9-inch greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (can use grated cheddar cheese in place of the Parmesan cheese if desired).
  • Beat the egg into the squash mixture.
  • Spread over the beef filling.
  • Make decorative swirls with a fork if desired.
  • Sprinkle with more Parmesan if desired and paprika.
  • Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes, or until top is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Cool for 20 minutes before serving.