Ground beef & apple filled acorn squash

Discover the perfect fall dish with our Ground Beef & Apple Filled Acorn Squash! This savory and sweet recipe features tender acorn squash stuffed with flavorful ground beef, juicy apples, raisins, a hint of cinnamon, and topped with brown sugar and butter. Easy to make and delightfully delicious, it's a hearty meal that brings the essence of autumn to your table.

  • 15 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 30 min
  • Prep time 45 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Ground beef & apple filled acorn squash

Ground beef and apple filled acorn squash is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with the sweetness of apples and raisins, all baked inside a wholesome acorn squash. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal.

Ingredients:

16 oz ground beef (80/20%)
450g
2 squash
860g
1.50 tsp salt
9g
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1.30g
2 cups apple
250g
1/4 cup raisins
36g
4 tbsp brown sugar
36g
2 tbsp salted butter
27g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Squash:
- Cut each acorn squash in half from top to bottom.
- Scoop out the seeds and strings from the center.
- Lightly brush the cut sides with a small amount of olive oil (optional for non-stick purposes).
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it's browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Add the chopped apple, raisins, salt, and cinnamon to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
- Stir to combine, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
5. Assemble & Bake:
- Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and turn them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar inside each squash half.
- Divide the beef and apple mixture evenly among the four squash halves, filling the cavities.
- Top each filled squash with a dab (about 1/2 tbsp) of butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar evenly over the tops.
6. Final Bake:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tops to caramelize slightly.
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the squash from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory and sweet ground beef & apple filled acorn squash!

Tips:

- Choose acorn squash that are similar in size and have a deep green color for even cooking and best flavor.

- Be sure to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the squash before baking.

- For a firmer filling, consider cooking the ground beef and apple mixture slightly before stuffing the squash.

- You can experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or allspice to add more depth to the flavor.

- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the raisins.

- To save time, you can partially cook the squash in the microwave before baking.

Once baked, the ground beef and apple filled acorn squash make for a delectable and well-balanced meal. The combination of savory beef, sweet apples, and raisins, enhanced by the touch of cinnamon and brown sugar, ensures a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. Serve it hot and enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size420 grams
Energy
Calories 520kcal21%
Protein
Protein 22g15%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 44g13%
Fiber 8g21%
Sugar 27g28%
Fat
Fat 30g35%
Saturated 12g40%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 620ug69%
Choline 90mg17%
Vitamin B1 0.10mg9%
Vitamin B2 0.34mg26%
Vitamin B3 6mg38%
Vitamin B6 0.76mg45%
Vitamin B9 55ug13%
Vitamin B12 2.43ug101%
Vitamin C 24mg26%
Vitamin E 0.58mg4%
Vitamin K 14ug12%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 90mg7%
Copper, Cu 0.29mg0%
Iron, Fe 3.48mg32%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg13%
Phosphorus, P 240mg19%
Potassium, K 970mg29%
Selenium, Se 18ug33%
Sodium, Na 990mg66%
Zinc, Zn 5mg48%
Water
Water 320g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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