Savory Butternut Squash Garlic Herb Steak

Featured in: Warm Herb-Inspired Plates

These satisfying bowls combine tender seared steak cubes seasoned with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, sweet roasted butternut squash, and fluffy quinoa all drizzled with a luscious garlic herb cream sauce. The dish comes together in under an hour with simple roasting and stovetop techniques.

Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches, each component can be prepared ahead and assembled when ready to serve. The gluten-free bowl offers complete nutrition with 34 grams of protein per serving while delivering rich, comforting flavors.

Updated on Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:39:14 GMT
Roasted butternut squash and seared steak bites topped with garlic herb cream sauce in a bowl. Save
Roasted butternut squash and seared steak bites topped with garlic herb cream sauce in a bowl. | olivebriar.com

The Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowl is a hearty and wholesome dish that brings together vibrant seasonal flavors and high-quality protein. Featuring perfectly seared garlic herb steak and oven-roasted butternut squash over a bed of fluffy quinoa, this bowl is finished with a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce. It is an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a nutritious make-ahead meal for busy days.

Roasted butternut squash and seared steak bites topped with garlic herb cream sauce in a bowl. Pin it
Roasted butternut squash and seared steak bites topped with garlic herb cream sauce in a bowl. | olivebriar.com

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This recipe focuses on simple preparation techniques that maximize flavor. By roasting the squash to bring out its natural sweetness and searing the steak in a hot cast iron skillet, you create a satisfying contrast of textures. The addition of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley ensures every bite is aromatic and savory, making it a standout main dish.

Ingredients

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  • Vegetables: 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and diced), 3 garlic cloves (sautéed), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish), 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme, 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary.
  • Grains: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 2 cups water.
  • Meats: 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes.
  • Dairy: 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Oils & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided).
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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Roast the Squash
Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary). Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat steak cubes dry and season with remaining salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine sautéed garlic, heavy cream or Greek yogurt, remaining herbs, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
To assemble, divide quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted butternut squash and steak bites. Drizzle generously with garlic herb sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before roasting the squash. Using a cast iron skillet for the steak is highly recommended as it provides the high heat necessary for a perfect golden-brown sear on the steak cubes.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute farro or brown rice for the quinoa if you prefer a different grain. To make the dish dairy-free, simply use a plant-based cream or yogurt alternative for the garlic herb sauce. For those who enjoy extra greens, try serving the bowls over a bed of fresh arugula or sautéed spinach.

Serviervorschläge

Divide the fluffy quinoa equally among four bowls and arrange the roasted squash and seared steak on top. Drizzle the cream sauce over the ingredients and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is best served warm and can be enjoyed alongside a light side salad.

Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls served warm over fluffy quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls served warm over fluffy quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley. | olivebriar.com

With its combination of protein, fiber, and savory aromatics, the Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowl is a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal. Whether you are cooking for your family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak, skirt steak, or even tender beef sirloin work well. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and desired doneness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat steak gently to avoid overcooking, and warm sauce on low heat.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or cashew cream all create delicious dairy-free alternatives with slightly different flavor profiles.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace steak with roasted chickpeas, portobello mushrooms, or extra squash for a satisfying plant-based version.

How do I know when the squash is done roasting?

The squash should be golden brown on edges and fork-tender, easily pierced with no resistance.

Can I freeze the components?

Cooked quinoa and roasted squash freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze sauce separately; steak is best enjoyed fresh.

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Savory Butternut Squash Garlic Herb Steak

Hearty bowls featuring seared steak, roasted squash, quinoa, and creamy garlic herb sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes


Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Vegetables

01 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
02 3 garlic cloves, sautéed
03 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
04 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
05 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 2 cups water

Meats

01 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes

Dairy

01 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt

Oils & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Roast Butternut Squash: Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary). Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 03

Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside.

Step 04

Sear Steak: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat steak cubes dry and season with remaining salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 05

Prepare Garlic Herb Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine sautéed garlic, heavy cream or Greek yogurt, remaining herbs, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted butternut squash and steak bites. Drizzle generously with garlic herb sauce.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan
  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream or Greek yogurt). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination, especially in store-bought yogurt or cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 34 g

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