Pumpkin Patch Harvest Casserole
This delightful Pumpkin Patch Harvest Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings the essence of Halloween to your table. A delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, hearty rice, and savory vegetables is baked inside a freshly hollowed pumpkin, making for a stunning presentation. This family favorite, originally inspired by a recipe I stumbled upon years ago, has since become an essential part of our October celebrations. Not only is it a showstopper at our Halloween table, but it's also a potluck hit that always garners requests for the recipe. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall and create lasting memories with this unique supper that's as fun to make as it is to eat!
8
Servings
392
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium pumpkin
1 (cleaned out)
ground beef
1.5 lbs (browned)
onion
0.5 cup (chopped)
cream of chicken soup
10 ounces (canned)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (optional)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
mushroom stems and pieces
4 ounces (canned)
cooked rice
1.5 cups
sliced water chestnuts
4 ounces (canned)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully paint a fun Halloween face on the outside of your cleaned pumpkin using a marker.
3
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, brown sugar (if using), soy sauce, and mushroom stems and pieces. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Add in the cooked rice and sliced water chestnuts, mixing until everything is well combined.
6
Spoon the savory mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin, filling it generously. Place the top back on the pumpkin.
7
Position the filled pumpkin on a baking sheet and place it in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 2 hours, or until the flesh of the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. To serve, scoop some of the cooked pumpkin flesh along with the filling onto plates. Enjoy your festive meal!
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
23g
Carbs
23.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pumpkin Patch Harvest Casserole?
It is a heartwarming dish of seasoned ground beef, rice, and savory vegetables baked inside a freshly hollowed-out pumpkin.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
What size pumpkin should I use?
A medium-sized pumpkin is best for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pumpkin before cooking?
The pumpkin should be cleaned out, hollowed, and can be decorated with a fun face using a marker.
What kind of soup is used in the filling?
Use one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Is brown sugar necessary for the recipe?
3 tablespoons of brown sugar are listed as optional for the filling.
How much soy sauce is added?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Should the rice be cooked beforehand?
Yes, you need 1.5 cups of cooked rice to add to the mixture.
What type of mushrooms are included?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of canned mushroom stems and pieces.
What provides the crunch in this casserole?
4 ounces of canned sliced water chestnuts provide a savory crunch.
How long should the beef and onion mixture simmer?
Simmer the beef, onion, soup, sugar, soy sauce, and mushrooms for 10 minutes.
How long do I bake the filled pumpkin?
Bake the pumpkin for 1 to 2 hours.
How do I know when the pumpkin is fully cooked?
It is done when the flesh of the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork.
How is the Pumpkin Patch Harvest Casserole served?
Serve by scooping some of the cooked pumpkin flesh along with the savory meat filling onto plates.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 392 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is 23.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 24g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a potluck hit that often results in recipe requests.
What is the category of this meal?
This is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef and chopped onion.
Should the pumpkin be baked with the lid?
Yes, place the top back on the pumpkin before placing it in the oven.
Can I paint the pumpkin?
Yes, the instructions suggest painting a fun Halloween face on the outside with a marker.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in the recipe.
What equipment is needed to bake the pumpkin?
You will need a large skillet for browning and a baking sheet to hold the pumpkin in the oven.
Is this a good recipe for October?
Yes, it is designed to bring the essence of Halloween and fall flavors to the table.
What is the prep time for the meat?
The meat should be browned and then simmered with seasonings for 10 minutes.
Can I use fresh water chestnuts?
The recipe specifies canned sliced water chestnuts, but fresh could be used if preferred.