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One-Pot Butternut Squash Couscous Bake

30–40 minutes Cook
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A cozy, colorful one-dish meal packed with tender butternut squash, hearty kale, tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. Everything bakes together in the oven for a hands-off dinner that’s wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Couscous Bake

manandev
This dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and only one dish required. The couscous absorbs all the rich flavor from bone broth as it bakes, creating a tender, fluffy base. Sweet roasted butternut squash balances the earthy kale, while dried cranberries add pops of tart sweetness. Midway through baking, crumbled feta and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper take the dish to the next level with creaminess and a subtle kick of spice. It’s equal parts comforting and vibrant, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or meal prep.
prep time
15 minutes
cooking time
30–40 minutes
servings
4-6
total time
45–55 minutes

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar oven-safe dish)

  • Measuring cups & spoons

  • Mixing spoon or spatula

  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous

  • 2 ½ cups bone broth (chicken or vegetable)

  • 1 cup kale, roughly chopped

  • 1 cup butternut squash, cubed

  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • â…“ cup dried cranberries

  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste (optional, depending on broth)

Instructions

1

Preheat oven

Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or coat with a thin layer of olive oil if desired.
2

Combine base ingredients

In the baking dish, add couscous, bone broth, kale, butternut squash cubes, red onion slices, and dried cranberries. Stir to combine evenly, making sure the couscous is submerged in broth.
3

Bake (first stage)

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the broth and the vegetables to begin softening.
4

Stir and add toppings

Remove the dish from the oven, carefully take off the foil, and stir everything gently to redistribute flavors. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top, then add 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir lightly so the cheese and pepper mix in without fully melting into the base.
5

Bake (second stage)

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the couscous is fluffy, the squash is tender, and the top is lightly golden.
6

Serve

Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • 🌶️ Spice Level – Adjust crushed red pepper to taste. For milder heat, use ½ tablespoon. For more, add extra when serving.
  • 🥬 Greens – Swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or arugula.
  • 🧀 Cheese Options – Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or shredded parmesan also work well.
  • 🍇 Sweet Add-Ins – Try golden raisins, chopped apricots, or pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries.
  • 🥓 Protein Boost – Stir in cooked chicken sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta for a heartier dish.

Serving Ideas

  • Main Dish: Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Holiday Side: Makes a festive side dish alongside roasted meats or turkey.
  • Lunch Prep: Store in individual containers for quick grab-and-go meals.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if couscous dries out.
  • Freeze: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving – approximate, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbs: 32g

Note: Values may vary depending on broth, cheese, and add-ins used.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Butternut Squash Couscous Bake is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: simple, nourishing, and flavorful. With sweet squash, tart cranberries, tangy feta, and a subtle kick of spice, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.

Bake it up for an easy weeknight dinner, a colorful holiday side, or a meal prep staple—you’ll love how effortless and delicious it is.

👉 Next time, try adding roasted chickpeas for crunch, or drizzle with a little balsamic glaze before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

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