Today I’m excited to share with you a delicious recipe for Beef-Stuffed Acorn Squash! This hearty dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So let’s get cooking!
Beef-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Remove the squash halves from the oven and carefully turn them over.
- Fill each squash half with the beef mixture, packing it in tightly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each squash half.
- Return the squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to prepare:
This Beef-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is relatively easy to prepare, but it does require a bit of time for baking. The key to success is to make sure the acorn squash is fully cooked and tender before serving. This will ensure that the squash has a soft and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the flavorful beef stuffing.
Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This includes 30 minutes of baking time for the squash and an additional 50 minutes for preparing the beef stuffing and baking the filled squash halves.
Servings:
This recipe yields 4 servings. Each person will enjoy one stuffed acorn squash half, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.
Nutrition Facts:
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Beef-Stuffed Acorn Squash:
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 735mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 27g
Tips:
- You can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef stuffing.
- If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Sage, oregano, or basil would all work well in this dish.
FAQs:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef stuffing and the squash halves in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed squash halves, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake according to the instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers from this recipe. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
So there you have it - a scrumptious recipe for Beef-Stuffed Acorn Squash that will surely become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!
