Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash

I love how simple these Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash are!

I don’t know why I’ve waited this long to use acorn squash! But, acorn squash just became my new favorite thing to cook with and stuff… you’ll know why after you try this Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash.

First off, this recipe is super-duper easy to make! Just pop the acorn squash in the oven to roast while you make a quick and easy skillet beef enchilada mixture. When the squash is done, just stuff them with the mixture, garnish and ENJOY! And I can nearly guarantee you’re going to enjoy this one! It’s as tasty as it is pretty and one that you’ll want to eat all week long.

The subtly sweet flavor of the acorn squash in combination with the rich and spicy beef enchilada concoction is a match made in heaven. I can’t wait for you all to try these Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash yourselves!! Let me know what you think by commenting below! 

For another delicious acorn squash recipe, try my Sticky Pomegranate Meatball Bowls!

Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash

2018-12-11 17:52:43

Serves 4

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

45 min

Total Time

1 hr

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

45 min

Total Time

1 hr

For the Acorn Squash

1. 2 medium sized acorn squashes
2. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Beef

1. 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2. 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced (or 1/2 medium onion)
3. 1 pound ground beef
4. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
7. 1 teaspoon cumin
8. 1 teaspoon paprika
9. 1 teaspoon chili powder
10. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12. 1.5 tablespoons ghee
13. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14. 2/3 cup beef broth
15. 1/2 avocado, sliced, for serving
16. 1/4 cup pico de gallo, for serving
17. 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the squash horizontally on a cutting board. Trim the ends off of the squash by cutting just enough of the pointy tip off in order to create a more flat bottom, taking care not to cut too far as to get into the hollow part of the squash. Now, cut each acorn squash in half, horizontally. Then, scoop out seeds and stringy bits inside the squash (I find using an ice cream scoop works best), being careful not to break a hole in the bottom of the cavity.
3. Place acorn squash cut side up on the baking sheet and brush the flesh all over with olive oil, until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake in oven until the flesh of the squash is fork tender, about 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of your squash.
5. Meanwhile, while your squash is baking- heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the onion and ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef, breaking up the meat with the back of a spoon until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add the cayenne, cumin, paprika, chili, garlic, and dried oregano. Toss spices to incorporate with beef until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Add ghee and melt, stir to combine. Add tomato paste and stir until incorporated with meat.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low and add beef broth. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm until acorn squash are cooked.
10. Once squash are cooked, evenly distribute beef mixture among squash by filling the cavities of the squash.
11. Garnish with cilantro, pico de gallo and avocado.
12. Serve and enjoy!

By Alex Snodgrass

The Defined Dish https://thedefineddish.com/