Meat stuffed honey nut squash
This meat-stuffed Honey nut squash is a delicious fall dinner filled with savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. The naturally sweet, tender roasted squash pairs perfectly with the hearty filling, making this an easy, comforting meal for weeknights or a cozy autumn dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 honey nut squash
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the squash: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash and dry the Honeynut squash, then cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Make the meat filling: Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened and just beginning to brown. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and ½ cup of chicken stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of grated Parmesan cheese, the chopped Italian parsley, and the cooked rice until everything is well combined.
- Stuff the squash: Remove the partially roasted squash from the oven. Divide the meat and rice filling evenly among the squash halves, spooning it into the hollowed centers.
- Add the topping and bake: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed squash and sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Return the squash to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown and the squash is tender.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with freshly chopped Italian parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Choose Honey nut squash that feels firm and has no soft spots. If the squash halves are particularly small, check them early to prevent overcooking. For extra flavor, season the ground beef filling with Italian herbs and freshly grated Parmesan.