{"id":2863,"date":"2022-01-30T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/stuffed-baked-acorn-squash"},"modified":"2023-06-29T08:26:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T13:26:02","slug":"stuffed-baked-acorn-squash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/stuffed-baked-acorn-squash","title":{"rendered":"Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Delicious roasted acorn squash stuffed with a delicious ground beef with vegetables in tomato sauce and all finished off with some melted cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stuffed Baked Squash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If there is one thing I love about living in Canada it is that we always have an abundance of different types of squash pretty much all year round. Some I had never encountered when I lived in the UK. Although I possibly wasn't paying as much attention back then either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love buying at least one type of squash a week, they are delicious roasted as a substitute for things like potatoes, but one of my favourite things to make, it roasted stuffed squash all topped with cheese and the perfect type of squash for that is Acorn Squash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitutes for Acorn Squash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I am aware that out of season these might be pretty hard to find in the UK, so I am sure you will be wondering what you can use as a substitute and the best option is of course Butternut Squash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acorn Squash can be pretty small in comparison to some butternut squash, so I recommend picking a small one. You may need to cook the butternut a little bit longer than acorn squash, just so the flesh part is soft enough to scoop some of to make a kind of boat for your filling. Acorn Squash are more circular so naturally have the boat shape once seeds are removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can <\/strong>follow the method on this recipe - Butternut Squash stuffed with Spicy Chicken and Rice<\/a><\/strong> but then add the filling for this Stuffed Acorn Squash Instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Prep and Bake Acorn Squash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I like to use my sharp santoku knife to cut these in half, and then remove the seeds from the hollow part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place of a baking tray lined, with parchment paper, flesh part facing up then spray with olive oil spray and add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roast at 200c, 180c fan or 400f or around 40-45 minutes. The flesh should be slightly soft and pierceable with a knife or fork after this point. Then once you add the filling and cheese you will cook it again for a little longer and the yummy squash will be soft, sweet and delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I make this Vegetarian?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although I haven't yet tested the filling mixture using something like quorn or cooked lentils, I think they would work okay, you just may need to adjust liquid a little to ensure it's not too dry or too wet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most things are delicious when topped with some melted cheesy goodness, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I freeze Baked Stuffed Squash?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While this is best eating once cooked. I froze a portion of this and it was fine. I just placed a piece in a large container and popped in the freezer, then to reheat, I full defrosted in fridge over night and warmed up in the oven on 180c, 160c fan, 350f until heated through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would probably be okay microwaved once defrosted too, but for best results, reheat in the oven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sides for Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are perfect enjoyed just as they are, as there is a good portion of vegetables with the squash as the main part of the dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I also paired with a side salad with a light dressing for a filling meal. Just some simple baby greens with grape tomatoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Squash Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Love recipes with squash? Check out these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n