Harvest Curried Beef and Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Harvest Curried Beef and Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful dish that captures the essence of fall. Tender acorn squash is generously filled with a savory and aromatic beef mixture, paired with a hint of curry spice to elevate the flavors. This nutritionally balanced meal is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Each bite combines the sweetness of squash with the savory meat filling, offering a healthy and hearty option for your autumn table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
3 (halved and seeded (about 1 pound each))
ground beef
1 lb
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
beef bouillon granules
1 teaspoon
hot water
1/2 cup
cooked rice
1/2 cup
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon
brown sugar
1 teaspoon
curry powder
1 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
2
Place the halved and seeded acorn squash, cut side down, on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the squash is nearly tender.
3
While the squash is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, cooking this mixture until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
4
Dissolve the beef bouillon granules in the hot water, then pour this into the cooked beef mixture. Add cooked rice, fresh parsley, orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, curry powder, ground ginger, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Remove the squash from the oven. Turn the halves cut side up. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each squash half.
6
Pour additional hot water into the baking pan to a depth of 1/4 inch. Cover the pan loosely with foil.
7
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the filling is heated through thoroughly.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Curried Beef and Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a fall-inspired main dish featuring acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic curry spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 15x10x1-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long do you bake the acorn squash initially?
The squash should be baked for 35-45 minutes until nearly tender.
How should the acorn squash be prepared?
The squash should be halved and seeded, using about three 1-pound squashes.
Should the squash be baked cut side up or down first?
Initially, place the squash cut side down on the prepared baking pan.
What type of meat is used for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef.
What aromatics are added to the beef mixture?
Chopped onion (1/2 cup) and 2 minced garlic cloves are added to the beef.
Which spices provide the curry flavor?
The dish uses curry powder and ground ginger to create its signature flavor.
Is there any sweetener in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses brown sugar and orange juice concentrate for a hint of sweetness.
How do you incorporate the beef bouillon?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon granules in 1/2 cup of hot water before adding it to the beef.
Does the recipe include fresh herbs?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the meat with the onion and garlic.
When do I add the rice to the filling?
Stir 1/2 cup of cooked rice into the beef mixture along with the bouillon and spices.
How do you stuff the squash?
Turn the pre-baked squash halves cut side up and spoon the beef mixture evenly into each cavity.
Why is water added to the baking pan during the second bake?
Additional hot water is added to a depth of 1/4 inch to provide moisture and prevent the squash from drying out.
Should the pan be covered during the final baking stage?
Yes, cover the pan loosely with foil before returning it to the oven.
How long is the final bake time after stuffing?
Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the filling is thoroughly heated.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet with an earthy autumn essence.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as visually appealing and a favorite for both kids and adults.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include autumn, beef, curried, stuffed squash, main dish, and low cholesterol.
How much curry powder is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
How much ground ginger is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What amount of orange juice concentrate is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of orange juice concentrate.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the filling?
Yes, you should use 1/2 cup of already cooked rice.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is categorized as a hearty and healthy main dish.
Should the dish be cooled before serving?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
What is the total estimated baking time?
The total baking time ranges between 55 and 75 minutes.