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Stuffed baked acorn squash is a fun and easy dish. It combines sweet squash with savory spices and filling. This recipe serves four. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side. - 2 medium acorn squashes - 1 cup quinoa or couscous, cooked - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Each serving has about 300 calories. It offers protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Acorn squash is low in calories and high in vitamins. Quinoa adds protein and fiber. Black beans bring even more protein and nutrients. This meal is balanced and satisfying. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for roasting. Next, take your acorn squashes and cut them in half from stem to tip. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This will help them roast nicely. Roast the squash for about 30-35 minutes. They should be tender and slightly brown when done. While the squash roasts, you can prepare the filling. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, until they soften. Then, add in your minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for another minute or two until you smell that great aroma. Next, mix in your cooked quinoa or couscous, black beans, corn, and a bit of cheese. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper. Once the squash is ready, take them out of the oven. Carefully fill each half with your tasty mixture. Press it down gently to make sure it fits well. Top each stuffed squash with the remaining cheese for extra flavor. Pop them back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. When they are ready, take them out and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a nice touch. Enjoy your savory stuffed baked acorn squash! For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. When picking acorn squash, look for a firm and heavy one. The skin should have a deep green color with some orange or yellow spots. This shows it is ripe and sweet. Avoid any squash with soft spots or cracks. They may not taste good. If you want a different grain, try brown rice or farro. Both provide a nice texture. For beans, you can use chickpeas or kidney beans. They add great flavor and protein. You can also skip the beans altogether for a lighter dish. Roasting acorn squash takes care and attention. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you start. This helps the squash cook evenly. Make sure you drizzle enough oil on the cut sides. This keeps the flesh moist and adds flavor. Roast until the edges are golden brown and the flesh is soft. This usually takes 30-35 minutes. For an extra touch, sprinkle some brown sugar or maple syrup on top before roasting. This gives a sweet glaze that pairs well with savory fillings. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. To do this, simply skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is another great option for adding a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost nutrition and taste. This way, you add color and flavor to your meal, keeping it fresh and fun. If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can swap some ingredients. Use brown rice instead of quinoa or couscous for more fiber. You can also replace black beans with lentils for a different texture. Instead of olive oil, try using avocado oil, which has a high smoke point. For a low-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium black beans. These swaps help you enjoy a tasty meal while keeping it light. For those who want extra protein, you can add meat to your stuffing. Ground turkey or chicken works well and keeps the dish lean. Just cook the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables. If you prefer red meat, lean ground beef or bison can be a tasty choice too. Mix in the cooked meat with the quinoa and veggies before stuffing the squash. This addition makes the meal heartier and satisfying. You can find the full recipe above to help you create this delightful dish. To store leftovers of stuffed baked acorn squash, wait for them to cool. Place each half in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to seal the container well to keep the flavors fresh. When you want to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat them for about 20 minutes until they are warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat each half for 2-3 minutes, checking often. If you want to freeze stuffed acorn squash, let them cool completely first. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To eat later, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve stuffed acorn squash with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch and color. You might also enjoy it with roasted vegetables or a light soup. This dish pairs well with chicken or fish if you prefer meat. A slice of crusty bread completes the meal nicely. Yes, you can make stuffed acorn squash ahead of time. Prepare the filling and roast the squash. Store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, simply fill the squash and bake. This saves time on busy days. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to roast acorn squash. Cooking time may vary based on size. Look for tender flesh and a lightly browned surface. You can check doneness by piercing it with a fork. If it goes in easily, it's ready! In this article, we explored a tasty stuffed baked acorn squash recipe. We covered the necessary ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about storage options for leftovers and various meal variations. Remember, you can make this dish with different fillings or proteins. It's a simple way to enjoy healthy food. Now, you’re ready to impress with your culinary skills!

Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash

Indulge in a delightful dish with this savory stuffed baked acorn squash recipe! Perfectly roasted acorn squash is filled with a hearty mix of quinoa, black beans, and spices, topped with gooey melted cheese. This wholesome meal is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. Ready to impress your guests at dinner? Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your meal prep today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium acorn squashes

1 cup quinoa or couscous, cooked

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Cut the acorn squashes in half vertically and scoop out the seeds. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.

      Roast the squashes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and lightly browned.

        While the squashes are roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

          Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

            Add the cooked quinoa (or couscous), black beans, corn, and a portion of the cheese (reserving some for topping). Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove the squashes from the oven and carefully fill each half with the quinoa and black bean mixture. Press it down gently to pack it in.

                Top each filled squash half with the remaining cheese.

                  Return the filled squashes to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                    Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 4