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Stuffed Acorn Squash With Ground Beef, Pears, and Parmesan

A delightful dish combining the earthy richness of acorn squash, savory ground beef, juicy pears, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 medium acorn squashes Choose ripe ones that are firm and heavy.
  • 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 ripe pear, diced Adds a sweet surprise.
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor.
  • 1 cup cooked rice Or substitute with quinoa.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Separated for topping and mixture.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme For seasoning.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for drizzling To enhance flavor.

Method
 

Prepping and Roasting
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Drizzle the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the diced pear, cooked rice, dried thyme, and half of the grated Parmesan into the beef mixture.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Final Baking
  1. Carefully flip the roasted squash halves and spoon the beef filling mixture into each half.
  2. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  3. Place the stuffed squashes back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh arugula salad and roasted Brussels sprouts. Customize the filling as needed, and don't skimp on seasoning for the best flavor!