Butternut Squash and Ground Beef Hash w/ Fried Egg

The purpose of this post is to prove that I'm a normal person who doesn't always have time to whip up a masterpiece for dinner.  I had intended for my first recipe post to be picture perfect but as you can see from the picture above, it looks like a pile of slop!  It was a delicious pile of slop though so keep reading... Anyways, I ended up staying at the gym a lot later than I had anticipated and had no idea what I was going to make for dinner.  I usually throw something in the crock pot when I know I'm going to be out late but I failed to prepare this time. I didn't get home until after 9:00 pm and was so tired and hungry that it was hard to think, so I looked in the fridge and came up with this protein-packed dish.  

TIP:  If you don't have all of these ingredients, try modifying with other paleo-friendly ingredients that you do have.  For example, use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash or ground turkey instead of ground beef.  Feel free to use your own favorite spices as well.  I want to prove that it doesn't have to be hard to cook Paleo! :)

Butternut Squash and Ground Beef Hash with Fried Egg

Prep Time: Approximately 5-10 Minutes

Cook Time: Approximately 20 Minutes 

Serves: 2-4 (2 servings If you are cooking for two men, 3-4 if its for a cave wife and husband :)

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and chopped (Costco sells them pre-chopped!)
• 1 lb ground beef (grass-fed or organic)
• 3 tbsp butter (grass-fed or organic) or other fat of choice
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 
• 3 cups fresh, organic spinach (dirty dozen)
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp thyme 
• 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt two tbsp of butter.
2. Add the butternut squash to the skillet and season with thyme, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook the squash until its tender and starting to brown.
3. In another skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat until it's browned.
4. Once the squash is browned, add the onions and the browned beef into the skillet. Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
5. In the skillet you cooked your ground beef in, melt another tbsp of butter and fry your eggs.
6. Add the spinach into the squash mixture and cook just until the spinach begins to wilt (1-2 minutes).
7. Remove from heat and divide up the hash.
8. Place 1 or 2 fried eggs on top and BAM!  You've got a delicious, post workout dinner or breakfast that is sure to please any hungry cave guy or gal!