Hearty Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe: Fall’s Cozy Delight

Rich autumn harvest brings out the best in this hearty stuffed baked acorn squash recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors.

Tender acorn squash becomes a delightful vessel for a mouthwatering filling packed with robust ingredients.

Golden-brown edges and a fragrant aroma promise a delectable meal that speaks to comfort and warmth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and seasonal goodness.

Nutritious and simple to prepare, this dish transforms an ordinary squash into an extraordinary dining experience.

Warm spices and wholesome ingredients create a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Grab a fork and prepare to fall in love with this rustic, nourishing autumn classic.

Why Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Makes the List

• Packed with lean ground beef, vegetables, and squash, this recipe delivers a balanced meal loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Using just a few cookware items like a frying pan and baking sheet, this recipe minimizes cleanup and simplifies your cooking process.
• Easily substitute ground beef with turkey, swap cheeses, or add different spices to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for home cooks wanting to improve skills, this recipe teaches basic roasting, sautéing, and stuffing methods without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Acorn Squash: A winter squash with sweet, nutty flavor that serves as the base for this hearty stuffed dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that creates a savory and filling stuffing for the squash.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and a golden topping to the stuffed squash.

• Onion, Carrot, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor and enhance the meat mixture.
• Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and nutrition to the stuffing.

• Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that create a warm and complex flavor profile for the meat mixture.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds richness and depth to the stuffing.
• Stock: A liquid that helps develop moisture and flavor in the meat mixture.
• Olive Oil Spray: A light coating that helps the squash roast evenly and prevent sticking.

Equipment for Baking Stuffed Acorn Squash

• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing acorn squash in half and trimming the bottom for stability.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for roasting squash and creating an even cooking surface.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Frying Pan: Ideal for cooking ground beef and vegetable mixture.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to grate mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Oven: Required for baking and melting cheese.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Make Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Squash

Warm up your oven to 200C, 180C fan, 400F, or gas mark 6.

Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice the acorn squash down the middle.

Scoop out the seeds and toss them away.

If you want the squash to sit nicely, trim a tiny bit from the bottom of each half.

Spritz the inner flesh with olive oil spray, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Place the squash halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the flesh becomes super tender and a fork glides through easily.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Chopped carrot
• Minced garlic

Cook the mixture until it browns and softens beautifully.

Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, and tomato paste, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Pour in stock and peas, letting the liquid simmer and reduce until it hugs the meat perfectly.

Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 3: Build and Finish the Dish

Pull the baked squash from the oven.

Generously fill each half with the warm meat mixture.

Shower the top with grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Return to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Creation

Pull out the stuffed squash and serve right away while it’s hot and bubbling.

Baked Acorn Squash: Top Tips for Success

• Slice acorn squash carefully with a sharp knife, ensuring even halves for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Trim a tiny sliver from the bottom of squash halves to create a stable base that prevents tipping during baking.
• Mix multiple cheese varieties like mozzarella and cheddar to create a richer, more complex taste profile in the stuffed squash.
• Toast spices like paprika and cumin briefly before adding to the meat to release their essential oils and intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Cover squash with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out and maintain tender, succulent flesh.

Baked Acorn Squash: Tasty Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Stuffed Squash: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, and diced bell peppers for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap beef for lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and kalamata olives to create a Greek-inspired filling.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, increase spices, and top with extra cheese for a low-carbohydrate alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Mix ground beef with jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and add cilantro and chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Stuffed Acorn Squash: Serving Suggestions

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table for a cozy dinner where each stuffed squash becomes a hearty individual portion perfect for sharing warm moments.
• Mediterranean-Style Plating: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Protein Power Combo: Pair with quinoa or brown rice to boost protein content, creating a complete nutritional profile that keeps hunger satisfied and energy levels high.
• Leftovers Lunch Magic: Store individual halves in airtight containers for next day's lunch, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal that reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

How to Store Leftover Baked Acorn Squash

• Transfer leftover stuffed acorn squash to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the stuffed squash halves intact.
• Wrap each stuffed squash half individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum freshness.
• Place a single stuffed squash half on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of squash works best for this recipe?

Acorn squash is ideal due to its sweet flavor and sturdy shell that holds the stuffing perfectly. Its natural boat-like shape makes it excellent for filling with meat and cheese.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean protein substitute that will work seamlessly with the existing spices and vegetable mix in the recipe.

• How do I know the squash is fully cooked?

The squash is ready when the flesh becomes soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. This typically takes about 40-45 minutes in the oven at 200C, indicating it’s tender and ready for stuffing.

Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory stuffed baked acorn squash combines roasted autumn squash with a hearty quinoa and vegetable filling. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a nutritious, flavorful meal that satisfies seasonal cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash
• 225 grams (8 ounces) of 5% ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced small
• 1 small carrot, diced small

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) of beef or chicken stock
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) of frozen peas
• 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of cheddar, grated
• 25 grams (1 ounce) of mozzarella, grated

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a sturdy chef’s knife, carefully slice the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds, creating a clean cavity. Trim a small portion from the bottom of each half to ensure stable placement on the baking sheet.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash flesh, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the squash halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté ground beef with diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic until the meat browns and vegetables soften. Incorporate paprika, cumin, and tomato paste, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Pour in stock and add peas, allowing the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces and coats the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Once the squash is tender, remove from the oven and generously fill each half with the prepared meat mixture. Sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Return to the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and develops a light golden color. Remove and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Squash Selection Choose medium-sized acorn squash with smooth, uniform skin to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Oil Alternative Coconut or avocado oil can replace olive oil spray for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Vegetarian Swap Replace ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles to create a delicious meat-free version.
• Cheese Options Experiment with goat cheese, feta, or dairy-free alternatives for unique flavor combinations and accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 397
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg