Sage-Infused Beef and Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Delight in a satisfying fusion of savory ground beef, aromatic sage, and tender rice enveloped within the sweet embrace of roasted acorn squash. This dish, a tastefully modernized rendition of a classic '70s casserole, provides a charming and complete meal for two when paired with a crisp salad. Its earthy tones and nutty aromas make it a pleasant centerpiece for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in.
2
Servings
475
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
1 (cut in half, seeds removed)
ground beef
0.5 lb (browned)
onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
celery
2 tablespoons (chopped)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ( )
salt
1/4 teaspoon (plus additional for sprinkling)
sage
1/2 teaspoon (or poultry seasoning, to taste)
milk
3/4 cup ( )
cooked rice
1/2 cup ( )
almonds
2 tablespoons (slivered, optional)
green olives
2 tablespoons (sliced, optional)
cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (or cheese of choice)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the acorn squash in half vertically and remove the seeds.
3
Sprinkle each half of the squash with a pinch of salt.
4
Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a baking dish with a little water to help steam and tenderize.
5
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender.
6
While the squash is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with chopped onions and celery until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess fat.
7
Sprinkle the flour, remaining salt, and sage over the beef mixture, stirring until well combined.
8
Slowly add the milk while stirring continually until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
9
Add the cooked rice, slivered almonds, and sliced green olives to the skillet, stirring to evenly mix the ingredients.
10
Remove the squash from the oven, carefully turn each half cut side up.
11
Fill the squash halves with the beef and rice mixture.
12
Sprinkle the tops with cheddar or your cheese of choice.
13
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
25g
Protein
6g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sage-Infused Beef and Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a modernized rendition of a classic 1970s casserole featuring savory ground beef, aromatic sage, and rice inside a roasted acorn squash.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 2 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 475 calories in each serving of this stuffed squash.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Cut the acorn squash in half vertically, remove the seeds, and sprinkle the inside with a pinch of salt.
How long is the initial roasting time for the squash?
The squash halves should be baked for 45 to 50 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Why is water added to the baking dish?
A little water is added to the baking dish to help steam and tenderize the squash while it roasts.
How is the beef filling cooked?
The ground beef is browned in a skillet with chopped onions and celery, then any excess fat is drained off.
What seasonings are used for the beef mixture?
The beef is seasoned with flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of sage or poultry seasoning.
What liquid is added to the skillet to create the sauce?
3/4 cup of milk is slowly added to the beef mixture to thicken it and make it bubbly.
What kind of rice is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
Are there any optional ingredients for the filling?
Yes, slivered almonds and sliced green olives are optional additions for extra texture and flavor.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Cheddar cheese is recommended, though you may use any cheese of your choice.
How long does the stuffed squash bake after being filled?
Once stuffed and topped with cheese, it bakes uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
There are 6 grams of fiber in each serving.
How much sugar is in the dish?
Each serving contains 3 grams of sugar.
Can I substitute sage with something else?
Yes, you can use poultry seasoning instead of sage to taste.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe requires 0.5 pounds of ground beef.
What vegetables are cooked with the meat?
The meat is cooked with 2 tablespoons each of chopped onions and celery.
Is the final baking stage covered or uncovered?
The squash should be baked uncovered during the final 30-minute stage to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
How much milk is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of milk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
It features earthy tones, nutty aromas, and a balance of savory beef and sweet roasted squash.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, savory, dinner for two, beef, rice, and autumn recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a dinner gathering?
Yes, its charming presentation makes it a pleasant centerpiece for dinner gatherings.
What side dish is recommended with this meal?
A crisp salad is recommended to pair with the stuffed squash for a complete meal.
How much flour is used for thickening?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to help thicken the beef mixture.