Name: Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced; 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 3 garlic cloves, sautéed; 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme; 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

If you’re looking for a nourishing dinner that hits the spot with both comfort and flair, these Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls are about to be your next obsession. This recipe brings together tender seared steak bites, roasted caramelized butternut squash, fluffy quinoa, and a luscious garlic herb cream sauce that ties it all together in the most delicious way. It’s the kind of hearty, wholesome meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

The beauty of this bowl is in the balance of flavors and textures. The earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash is the perfect match for the rich, savory steak. The creamy garlic herb drizzle is bright and indulgent, while the quinoa keeps things light and nutrient-packed. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a dinner to impress, this bowl brings restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Why They Matter)

To create these bowls effortlessly, having the right tools makes all the difference:

Cast Iron Skillet – For beautifully seared steak bites with a crisp crust and juicy center. Retains high heat and evenly cooks the meat.
Baking Sheet – Perfect for roasting the butternut squash until golden and caramelized without steaming.
Medium Saucepan – Essential for cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection.

Blender or Immersion Blender – Used for whipping up the creamy garlic herb sauce to smooth, velvety consistency.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – Helps in dicing squash and trimming steak efficiently and safely.
Mixing Bowls – Handy for tossing vegetables in oil and seasonings evenly.

These tools not only make prep easier, but they ensure that every component of this bowl is cooked just right.

Ingredients for the Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls

Butternut Squash – Brings natural sweetness and a soft, caramelized texture that pairs perfectly with the steak.
Steak (sirloin or ribeye) – A flavorful, tender protein base that sears beautifully and holds the garlic herb sauce well.

Quinoa – Adds a fluffy, nutty contrast and serves as a nutritious grain foundation.
Garlic Cloves – The star of the cream sauce; adds a punchy, aromatic depth.
Fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) – Infuses the sauce and steak with vibrant, earthy notes.

Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt – Creates the rich, creamy texture in the garlic herb drizzle.
Olive Oil – Used for roasting and searing; enhances flavor and texture.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every component to bring out full flavors.

How To Make the Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss diced butternut squash in olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and herbs. Sear in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside and medium inside. Let rest.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Sauce

In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine sautéed garlic cloves, cream (or Greek yogurt), herbs, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop quinoa into bowls, top with roasted squash and steak bites, then drizzle generously with garlic herb sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serving & Storing the Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls

These bowls are best served warm, immediately after assembly. The contrast of hot steak and squash with the creamy garlic drizzle makes each bite satisfying and balanced.

To store leftovers, keep the components separate in airtight containers. The steak and squash will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the steak and squash in a skillet or microwave before serving, and drizzle with fresh or warmed sauce.

You can also prepare the quinoa and sauce ahead for quick weekday lunches. This recipe is meal-prep friendly and travels well for work or school meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the steak is done?

For medium doneness, cook steak bites until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F. They should be browned outside and slightly pink inside.

Can I use another grain besides quinoa?

Absolutely! Brown rice, couscous, or farro all work beautifully as a base.

What cut of steak is best for this bowl?

Sirloin or ribeye offers tenderness and flavor, but you can also use flank steak if sliced thin.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt for the garlic herb sauce.

Do I need to peel the butternut squash?

Yes, peeling is recommended for better texture and to allow even caramelization during roasting.

Can this dish be frozen?

You can freeze the steak and squash separately, but the sauce is best made fresh for optimal texture.

Want More Dinner Bowl Ideas?

If you love these Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls, check out these other nourishing and flavor-packed dishes:

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a sweet and savory pasta twist.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for garlic lovers who want everything in one pan.
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake if you’re in the mood for creamy heat.

One Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta for a Cajun-inspired flavor bomb.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for weeknight comfort that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

For even more dinner ideas and daily inspiration, visit my Pinterest board at Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap quinoa for rice? Did you add more spice to the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one bowl at a time.

Savory Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and wholesome bowl featuring seared garlic herb steak, roasted butternut squash, fluffy quinoa, and a rich garlic herb cream sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead lunches.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.

3. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy. Set aside.

4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak bites with salt and pepper. Sear in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.

5. In a blender, combine sautéed garlic, cream or yogurt, herbs, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble bowls with quinoa on the bottom. Add roasted squash and steak bites, then drizzle with garlic herb sauce.

7. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.