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Sweet & Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash Dinner

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A comforting autumn dish featuring roasted acorn squash stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, apples, and spices, perfect for family meals or cozy dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 medium yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 small apples, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Dash of cayenne
  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the acorn squashes by cutting them in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds.
  3. Roast the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, for about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Cook the minced onion in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic.
  5. Brown the ground beef in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink.
  6. Add the chopped apples, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and cayenne to the beef mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  8. Stuff the roasted squash halves with the beef mixture.
  9. Top with shredded cheddar and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with olive oil or honey and fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

This dish is flexible; feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based protein. Experiment with different cheeses and seasonal ingredients!

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, stuffed squash, autumn recipes, cozy dinner, healthy meals

Find it online: https://cleanplatecravings.com/sweet-savory-stuffed-acorn-squash-dinner/