Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Beef and Onions
Indulge in a delightful twist on stuffed acorn squash with this nourishing recipe featuring ground beef, onions, and herbed stuffing. Inspired by a treasured old cookbook, this dish is a wholesome blend of flavors that showcases the natural sweetness of the acorn squash. It's perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, making it both hearty and satisfying while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve it as a standalone main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
3 small (halved and seeded)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Beef Bouillon Granules
1 teaspoon
Boiling Water
2 tablespoons
Onion
1/8 cup (chopped)
Ground Beef
1/8 cup
Butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Sage Seasoned Stuffing Mix
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare a greased 15x10x1 baking pan and invert the halved acorn squashes. Fill the pan with hot water to a depth of 1/4 inch.
3
Bake the squash uncovered for 30 minutes or until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4 inch shell in each half (you should have about 3 cups of pulp).
4
Place the empty squash shells cut side up in the greased baking pan and set aside.
5
In a large bowl, combine the scooped pulp, lightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, and the dissolved beef bouillon (made by mixing bouillon granules with boiling water).
6
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, sautéing until both are tender.
7
Stir in the stuffing mix and remove from heat. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for topping and mix the remaining stuffing mixture into the squash pulp mixture until well combined.
8
Fill each acorn squash shell with the beef and stuffing mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. Top with the reserved stuffing mixture.
9
Bake the stuffed squash uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in this Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is ground beef.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated and set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for the oven?
Halve the squashes, remove the seeds, and place them cut-side down in a greased baking pan with 1/4 inch of hot water.
How long is the initial baking time for the squash?
The squash should be baked uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until it becomes tender.
How much pulp should remain in the squash shell after scooping?
You should leave a 1/4 inch shell in each half, which typically results in about 3 cups of scooped pulp.
What seasonings are used for the filling?
The filling is seasoned with salt, pepper, and beef bouillon dissolved in boiling water.
How is the onion and beef prepared?
The chopped onion and ground beef are sautéed together in melted butter until tender.
What type of stuffing mix is used?
The recipe calls for one cup of sage seasoned stuffing mix.
How much stuffing mixture is reserved for the topping?
You should set aside 1/4 cup of the stuffing and beef mixture to use as a topping.
How long do I bake the squash after it is stuffed?
Bake the stuffed squash uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until heated through.
Is the squash baked covered or uncovered?
The squash is baked uncovered during both the initial cooking phase and the final baking phase.
What is the recommended serving size?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Can I make this dish for special occasions?
Yes, its blend of flavors and natural sweetness makes it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.
What should I do with the bouillon granules?
Dissolve the beef bouillon granules in 2 tablespoons of boiling water before adding it to the pulp mixture.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
One lightly beaten egg is mixed into the squash pulp to help bind the filling together.
What size pan is best for baking?
A greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan is recommended.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This hearty dish works well as a standalone main or served alongside a fresh salad.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, the baking pan should be greased before placing the squash inside.
How much water is added to the pan during the first bake?
Fill the pan with hot water to a depth of 1/4 inch.
Is the ground beef cooked before being stuffed into the squash?
Yes, the ground beef is sautéed with onions in butter until tender before being mixed with the pulp.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a wholesome blend of savory beef and herbs paired with the natural sweetness of acorn squash.
Can I use smaller squashes for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 3 small acorn squashes.
How do I ensure the filling is packed well?
Fill each shell with the mixture and press gently to pack it in before adding the topping.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a treasured old cookbook.
Is this recipe considered a main dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a hearty and satisfying main dish.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
The recipe uses 10 main ingredients, making it relatively simple to prepare.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the onion and beef.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
What do I do once the squash is cool enough to handle?
Scoop out the pulp, leaving a shell, then prepare the shells cut-side up in the pan.
Is there a specific way to orient the squash in the pan for the first bake?
Yes, the halved squashes should be inverted (cut-side down) in the pan.