Every single year, as soon as the weather starts getting the slightest bit cooler, I start craving butternut squash. There is just something about the creamy, slightly sweet-yet-savory flavor that makes me so happy. I'd go so far as to say that it's my favorite among all the fall produce.
One of my preferred ways to enjoy it is as a simple side dish, roasted in the oven with a little olive oil and some seasonings. That method is used as the base for this fall-inspired butternut squash burrito. A little cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder and cinnamon are added to the mix, giving the squash a hint of Mexican flair and a touch of warmth. After the squash is roasted, you'll mash it slightly with a fork, which will give it the perfect texture for rolling up in the burrito.
As far as toppings, we're keeping it fairly simple with these burritos. While the squash is cooling down, you'll quickly sauté some kale to soften it up just a bit. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs so well with the slight bite from the kale. Black beans are also added for a little protein, green onions for some extra savoriness and of course a little bit of cheese to tie it all together. These burritos are the perfect way to combine my love of Mexican food with my favorite fall ingredient.
Need a visual guide to rolling up a fantastic burrito? Be sure to check out our tutorial - it can take a little practice to get it right, but once you get the hang of it, you'll want to make burritos for every meal.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 2-pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small bunch kale, cut into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- Shredded cheese of choice, such as cheddar or pepper jack
- Salsa, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Add the butternut squash to a large rimmed baking sheet, then drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with the cumin, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt. Toss to combine and spread in an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Use a fork to mash slightly (leaving some texture).
- While the squash is cooling down, set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the kale and cook, stirring frequently, until bright green and slightly wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the black beans and cook until warmed through, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
- Assemble the burritos. Briefly warm the tortillas in a skillet or in the microwave until pliable. Set on a work surface. Place ⅙ of the mashed butternut squash in the center, followed by ⅙ of the kale/bean mixture and finally a sprinkle of green onions and the desired amount of cheese. Fold the sides over onto the middle of the burrito, then fold the bottom side up and roll up the burrito. Serve with salsa, if desired.
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
So loving the contrasting flavors of the cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne and cinnamon on sweet butternut squash! And what fun and totally delicious AND EASY burritos!!
Ashley Jennings says
Thanks Shashi! They make a great weeknight meal! (and leftovers for lunch too!) 🙂
Ned Hamson says
Call it a wrap - grin - not a burrito.
Ashley Jennings says
haha I like it!
Mary Beth Elderton says
Talk about perfect timing---I just moved a butternut squash from one side of the counter to the other and was trying to think of something different to do with it. And everything else is staple in a good Tex Mex kitchen 🙂
Ashley Jennings says
I love it! And yes yes yes - I always have a ridiculous amount of tex mex staples in the house! lol
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
Sounds really fabulous! Can't wait to try this recipe!
Ashley Jennings says
Thanks Cher! Hope you enjoy!
marcie says
I'm all OVER butternut squash and always make something with it every week whether it's soup, chili, or whatever! I love it with these spices -- it was made for Mexican food! These burritos look absolutely delicious. 🙂
Ashley Jennings says
Same here! I currently have two on my counter and one that I chopped up to freeze! It's a little out of hand! And thanks Marcie!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I am always on the lookout for new and delicious vegetarian recipes to recreate for my household. I have never made vegetarian burritos before, so this is a recipe that I will be trying. Thanks!
Ashley Jennings says
Thanks Thalia! Hope you enjoy them if you give them a try!
Tina Muir says
Great minds must think alike as I made pretty similar looking quesadillas a few days ago. LOVE butternut squash in this, you always seem to get the same thoughts as me when it comes to recipes. Not too late to add to meatless monday 🙂 This would be very tempting!
Ashley Jennings says
Oooo quesadillas sound fantastic too! And yes, great minds do think alike! 🙂
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Just looking at this, my mouth is watering!! I want these for lunch now!
Ashley Jennings says
haha thanks Ami! 🙂
Joanne says
Butternut, kale, and black beans are quite the burrito trio! I wish I had this for lunch today. Thankfully I do have a butternut sitting on my counter!
Ashley Jennings says
Ha! The burrito trio - I'm totally going to start saying that! Thanks Joanne!
Pam says
These were yummy. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley Jennings says
So glad you enjoyed Pam!
Lindsay says
This was so delicious! Such a great flavor profile for that butternut squash! Btw, didn't realize how easy it is to peel a butternut squash! Thanks for sharing.
Ashley Jennings says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it Lindsay! Thanks for letting us know!
Felicity says
I made these tonight and added rice to the burrito- very yummy. Have made a stack of burritos to freeze- I hope they work out! Thank you
Ashley Jennings says
So glad to hear it Felicity! Thanks for letting us know!