Savory Stuffed Pumpkin Delight
This delightful dish combines the earthy flavors of pumpkin with a savory filling of seasoned beef, aromatic onions, and creamy goodness. Originating from a friend's Halloween gathering, this recipe has become a cherished tradition in our family that we look forward to every fall. The pumpkins not only serve as an edible bowl but also infuse the dish with a unique sweetness as they bake. Perfect for gatherings, this hearty meal will impress your guests and satisfy your family's appetites.
6
Servings
417
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium pumpkin
1 (cut the top off and clean out pulp and seeds)
onion
1 (chopped)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
sliced mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
cream of chicken soup
1 (15 ounce) can (for creaminess)
cooked rice
1 1/2 cups (set aside)
sliced water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin and clean out all the pulp and seeds until it is a hollow shell.
3
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess drippings from the skillet.
5
Stir in the soy sauce, drained mushrooms, brown sugar, and cream of chicken soup. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
6
Add the cooked rice and drained water chestnuts to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine.
7
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin until it is filled. Replace the pumpkin lid.
8
Place the stuffed pumpkin on a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
9
Carefully remove the pumpkin from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Remove the lid, serve the meat filling, and scoop out the tender pumpkin flesh to serve as a delicious vegetable side.
Nutrition Information
28g
Carbs
25g
Protein
333mg
Sodium
50mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Pumpkin Delight?
Savory Stuffed Pumpkin Delight is a hearty fall dish that combines a hollowed-out pumpkin with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, onions, rice, and creamy soup.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a medium pumpkin, ground beef, onion, soy sauce, brown sugar, mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, and water chestnuts.
How do I prepare the pumpkin for stuffing?
Carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove all the pulp and seeds until the interior is a clean, hollow shell.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the stuffed pumpkin need to bake?
The pumpkin should bake for approximately 1 hour or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
While the recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
What type of soup is used in the filling?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of cream of chicken soup to provide a creamy texture to the meat mixture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is the rice added to the pumpkin raw or cooked?
You should use 1.5 cups of already cooked rice for the filling mixture.
What is the calorie count for one serving of Savory Stuffed Pumpkin Delight?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
The dish contains 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sodium is in each serving?
There is 333mg of sodium in each serving.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Yes, there is approximately 50mg of cholesterol per serving.
What is the purpose of the water chestnuts in the filling?
The drained water chestnuts provide a unique crunch and texture to the savory beef and rice mixture.
Should I drain the beef after cooking?
Yes, after browning the beef with the onions, you should drain any excess drippings from the skillet.
Why is brown sugar included in a savory beef recipe?
Brown sugar is added to provide a hint of sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the pumpkin.
Do I need to keep the pumpkin lid?
Yes, you should replace the pumpkin lid after filling it and before placing it in the oven to bake.
Should I use a baking sheet?
Yes, place the stuffed pumpkin on a baking sheet to catch any drippings that may occur during the baking process.
Can you eat the pumpkin itself?
Absolutely! After baking, the pumpkin flesh becomes tender and can be scooped out to serve as a delicious vegetable side dish.
How do I sauté the onions?
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until it is softened and translucent.
How long should the beef and soup mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors before adding the rice and water chestnuts.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a perfect dish for Halloween gatherings and fall traditions.
What size pumpkin is recommended?
A medium-sized pumpkin is best for this recipe to ensure the filling fits and it cooks evenly.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained.
How do I serve the dish?
Transfer the pumpkin to a serving plate, remove the lid, serve the meat filling, and scoop out the cooked pumpkin flesh.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh sliced mushrooms, though you may want to sauté them briefly with the onions.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe originated from a friend's Halloween gathering and became a family tradition.
Are there any suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include pumpkin recipe, stuffed pumpkin, fall recipe, hearty meal, and halloween dish.
What is the dietary category for this meal?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.