Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Advanced
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Tender acorn squash halves filled with a savory stuffing of lean meat, applesauce, and warm spices.
Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe image
Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe image
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Stuffed Acorn Squash

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 Calories: 2.9

Description

This Stuffed Acorn Squash offers a comforting blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender squash acts as an edible bowl for a hearty stuffing made from lean ground turkey or pork, crisp celery, and aromatic spices like curry powder and cinnamon. A touch of unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, binding the stuffing together beautifully. Its a wholesome, satisfying dish that feels special enough for holiday tables yet simple enough for weeknight meals. Serve it as a main course with a side salad or as a substantial side dish alongside roasted meats. The combination of texturesfrom the soft squash to the chunky stuffingmakes every bite delightful and warming.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. Spray a 10x6x2 baking dish with cooking spray.
  4. Place squash halves cut-side down in the baking dish.
  5. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. While squash bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat.
  7. Add ground meat, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the skillet.
  8. Cook until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
  9. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  10. Stir in salt, curry powder, and cinnamon; cook for 1 minute more to toast the spices.
  11. Mix in unsweetened applesauce and bread cubes until well combined.
  12. Remove squash from oven and carefully turn the halves cut-side up in the dish.
  13. Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly into the hollowed-out squash halves.
  14. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes more, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 2.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.0g0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1224.2mg52%
Total Carbohydrate 0.7g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.2g
Protein 0.1g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Microwave Method: To save time, place squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 6-8 minutes until tender. For the stuffing, cook meat and vegetables in a microwave-safe casserole covered on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring twice, until meat is cooked. Drain, stir in spices, applesauce, and bread, then spoon into squash. Microwave squash filled with stuffing uncovered on high for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Substitutions: You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the pork or turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the bread cubes and add sauted mushrooms or lentils for substance.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, ground turkey, ground pork, applesauce, curry powder, cinnamon, celery, onion, bread cubes, baking, microwave recipe, fall dinner, comfort food, vegetarian option, healthy dinner, autumn vegetables, spiced stuffing, easy dinner, holiday side
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