Hearty Acorn Squash Beef Potpie
Delight in a comforting, rustic dish where creamy mashed acorn squash and potato blend seamlessly with a savory ground beef filling, infused with aromatic herbs and topped with a touch of parmesan. This innovative take on a classic shepherd's pie turns acorn squash into beautiful edible bowls that promise to satiate your taste buds while being visually pleasing. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a unique serving for guests.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
3 (halved and seeds removed)
russet potato
1 (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
yellow onion
1 (finely chopped)
celery stalk
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
ground beef
1 lb
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
tomato sauce
1 can (8 ounces) ((can use flavored if preferred))
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the acorn squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Remove from the oven and set aside four halves. Scoop out the flesh of the remaining halves into a medium bowl.
2
Meanwhile, place the potato chunks in a saucepan. Cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until tender, around 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them and add to the bowl with the squash. Mash the squash and potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of butter, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the celery and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 4 minutes.
5
Stir in the tomato sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
6
Fill the reserved squash halves with the beef mixture, distributing about 1/2 cup of filling per half. Use a baking dish to hold the stuffed squash halves.
7
Top each stuffed squash half with approximately 1/3 cup of the mash mixture. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over each one.
8
Bake in the oven until everything is heated through and the tops begin to brown, around 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Acorn Squash Beef Potpie?
It is a comforting, rustic dish featuring a savory ground beef filling inside roasted acorn squash halves, topped with a creamy blend of mashed acorn squash and potatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
How many acorn squashes are required for this recipe?
You will need 3 acorn squashes for this recipe.
How should the acorn squash be prepared before roasting?
The acorn squashes should be halved and have their seeds removed.
What is the correct oven temperature for roasting the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to roast the acorn squash?
The squash should be roasted for approximately 30 minutes until tender.
What type of potato is used in the mash topping?
One russet potato is used for the mash.
How should the russet potato be prepared?
The potato should be peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
How long should the potato chunks be boiled?
The potato chunks should be boiled for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender.
What is the mash topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of mashed potato and the flesh from some of the roasted acorn squash.
How much butter is added to the squash and potato mash?
One tablespoon of unsalted butter is incorporated into the mash mixture.
How do you season the mash?
The mash should be seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
How much butter is needed to sauté the vegetables?
One tablespoon of butter is used to sauté the onion, celery, and garlic.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
The finely chopped onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
When should the garlic and celery be added to the skillet?
Add the celery and minced garlic after the onion has softened and cook for one additional minute.
What quantity of ground beef is used?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef.
What herbs are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, plus salt and black pepper.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
The ground beef typically takes about 4 minutes to brown.
What type of tomato sauce is used in the filling?
One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is used; flavored varieties can be used if preferred.
How long should the beef mixture simmer with the sauce?
The mixture should simmer for about 2 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
How many acorn squash halves are reserved for stuffing?
Four halves are reserved to be used as edible bowls.
How much beef filling goes into each squash bowl?
Distribute about 1/2 cup of the beef filling into each reserved squash half.
How much mash mixture is topped on each squash?
Top each stuffed squash half with approximately 1/3 cup of the mash mixture.
What kind of cheese is used as a garnish?
1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the tops.
How long is the final bake time for the assembled potpies?
Bake the stuffed squashes for 10 to 15 minutes.
What visual signs indicate the potpies are ready?
They are ready when the ingredients are heated through and the tops begin to brown.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the stuffed squashes cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
Is this recipe considered a variation of shepherd's pie?
Yes, it is an innovative take on a classic shepherd's pie using acorn squash.
How should the garlic be prepared for this dish?
The two garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
What type of onion is recommended for the filling?
One yellow onion, finely chopped, is recommended.