Stuffed Acorn Squash
A hearty meal made with acorn squash from your garden!
Equipment
- large skillet and spatula
- baking sheet covered with parchment paper or shallow baking pan lightly greased
- large knife for cutting the acorn squash
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or oil of choice
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 pound ground beef substitute with ground chicken, turkey or pork
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1-2 celery stalks depending on how much you like celery
- 1 apple, cored any variety, I use Granny Smith
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit if necessary)
- 1 tsp sea salt (reduce if necessary)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the acorn squash halves so that the cut side is face down on the parchment-covered baking sheet. Place on center rack and bake for approximately 30 to 45 minutes or until the skin can be easily pierced with a fork
- While the squash is cooking, dice the onion, celery and apple.
- Melt 1 to 2 tbsp of coconut oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions, celery and apples until soft. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add ground beef and seasonings to the skillet. Cook thoroughly and drain any grease. Return onion, celery, apple to the skillet and mix to combine with the ground beef.
- Once acorn squash is cooked, remove from oven and turn the halves over using two forks.
- Fill the squash halves with the seasoned beef mixture and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Serve while hot.
Notes
You can easily halve or multiply this recipe depending on the number of servings you desire.
Serve with a salad made from greens, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes or other produce from your garden.
Rinse the squash seeds thoroughly, removing any residual pulp. Dry completely on a paper towel and save them to plant next year. Or, roast them as you would pumpkin seeds and enjoy as a healthy snack.
This recipe is dairy free, nut free, gluten free, grain free, and compliant with most autoimmune protocols. For example, the black pepper may be approved for some and not for others. Check with your practitioner if you are unsure if this meets your particular protocol requirements.
If you can have dairy, you may want to add a dollop or two of sour cream, or grated cheese. It doesn't need it, but it would taste good!
