Cheesy Mexican Squash, or Calabacitas, is a simple stovetop recipe that uses yellow squash, zucchini and corn. It’s creamy, cheesy and just a bit spicy! Ready in 15 minutes. 

As a food blogger, there are two questions I get ALL of the time. The first, “What can I do with ground beef besides spaghetti and hamburgers?” The second, ” What the heck can I do with all of this squash?” The first question I’ve addressed through recipes like this Easy Goulash, Korean Burgers and Beef Tostadas.

a close up photo of calabacitas on a spoon

The second question about how to use up squash I’ve left largely unaddressed. Until now! This Cheesy Mexican Squash recipe uses up a TON of zucchini or yellow squash. Plus, it’s cheesy, creamy and delicious, so your family will actually eat it!

“This was sooo good. Should have snapped a pic before we ate it. Subbed red bell pepper for jalapeño & used a mix of cojack, fresh parm, & mozzarella cause that is what I had.”

Gail
Cheesy Mexican Squash (Calabacitas)

Cheesy Mexican Squash, or Calabacitas, are made on the stove top and ready in about 15 minutes. These Mexican squashes are just a *bit* spicy, thanks to the addition of fresh chopped jalapeno. If you have a spice averse family member, just leave the jalapeno pepper out! You can always douse your individual servings with hot sauce once cooked. 

Cheesy Mexican Squash (Calabacitas)

FYI- Calabacitas means “little squash” in Spanish! And, calabacita means zucchini. Something to teach your family while they eat this dish! 

Cheesy Mexican Squash (Calabacitas)

The type of cheese that you choose to top your Calabacitas with isn’t too important, but I recommend using Colby Jack or Cheddar if available. Both types of cheese will add good flavor to your dish!

This Cheesy Mexican Squash is a versatile dish! It can be used as a side dish for nearly any protein. OR, you can use it as a vehicle for leftover protein! Just slice up chicken, steak, shrimp, pulled pork or even ham and serve it right on top of the squash. Totally delicious!

Cheesy Mexican Squash (Calabacitas)

Recipe Substitutions and Additions:

Like any dish, you’re free to make this Cheesy Mexican Squash your own! Here are some suggestions:

  • Add diced tomatoes 4-5 minutes before finishing the dish. 
  • Substitute poblano or your favorite bell pepper for the jalapeno! 
  • Sprinkle the top of the cooked Calabacitas with cotija cheese and/or cilantro. 
a close up photo of calabacitas on a spoon

Cheesy Mexican Squash (Calabacitas)

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Need to use up zucchini or yellow squash? This Cheesy Mexican Squash recipe is the best way to do it.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 medium zucchini squash, cubed
  • 2 medium yellow squash, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (10 ounces) corn, drained
  • ⅓ cup half and half
  • ½ cup Colby jack cheese, shredded

For topping:

  • fresh cilantro
  • Colby jack cheese or cotija cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté squash and onion in butter for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add jalapeno pepper and garlic, then sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
  4. Add salt, pepper, corn and half and half. Stir to combine.
  5. Sauté on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the squash can be easily pierced with a fork.
  6. Remove skillet from burner.
  7. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover skillet for 2-4 minutes and allow to rest until cheese melts.
  8. Serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with more cheese (queso fresco is great) or cilantro!
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 101Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 18mgSodium 229mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 5g

The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.

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Need more squash recipes? Try these out!