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Hey foodies!

Today, I have a delicious and hearty recipe for you to try - Stuffed Acorn Squash! Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, there’s a variation of this recipe that will satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive in!

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Beef and Veggies

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, cut in half and seeds removed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
5. Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
6. Season the mixture with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
7. Remove the acorn squash halves from the oven and carefully flip them over.
8. Divide the ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly among the squash halves, filling them generously.
9. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each stuffed squash half.
10. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to prepare:

This Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is relatively easy to prepare. You start by cutting the acorn squashes in half and removing the seeds. Then, you bake them until they are tender and golden. In the meantime, you cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Next, you add a variety of diced vegetables to the skillet and sauté until they are softened. To enhance the flavors, you season the mixture with herbs like dried thyme and rosemary, along with salt and black pepper. Once the acorn squash halves are cooked, you fill them generously with the ground beef and vegetable mixture. Finally, you sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake until it becomes golden and gooey. This step-by-step process ensures that every bite of the Stuffed Acorn Squash is flavorful and comforting.

Preparation time:

The total preparation time for this mouthwatering Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is approximately 1 hour, including both baking and cooking time. The active preparation time is around 30 minutes, as you need to chop the vegetables and cook the ground beef mixture. The remaining time is spent allowing the acorn squash to bake and letting it cool slightly before serving. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening meal or even as a show-stopping centerpiece for a dinner party.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people. Each person will enjoy one half of an acorn squash, which is a good-sized portion when combined with the hearty ground beef and vegetable filling. If you want to serve more guests, simply adjust the quantities accordingly. You can easily double the recipe to make 8 servings or even halve it to serve 2. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition information for this Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the portion size. However, the basic recipe provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The ground beef adds protein, while the vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The acorn squash itself is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. If you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe to suit your needs. For example, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.

Tips:

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe even better:

• Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can add different vegetables like spinach, corn, or even some cooked rice to enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the ground beef and replace it with cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some Parmesan or blue cheese on top of the stuffed squash before baking.
• Don’t let the scooped-out squash go to waste! Save the extra flesh and use it in soups, stews, or even as a side dish

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the ground beef and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply fill the acorn squash halves with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This is a great option if you want to save time on the day of serving.

Q: Can I freeze the Stuffed Acorn Squash?

A: While you can freeze the acorn squash halves, they may become slightly mushy when thawed. However, the ground beef and vegetable filling can be frozen successfully. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with filling the acorn squash and baking as directed.

Q: Can I use a different type of squash?

A: Absolutely! Acorn squash works perfectly for this recipe, but you can experiment with other winter squash varieties, such as butternut squash or delicata squash. They all have slightly different flavors and textures, so feel free to try out different combinations to find your favorite.

So, there you have it - a delicious and satisfying Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your needs and preferences. Give it a try and let the flavors of fall delight your taste buds!