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Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 28 reviews

This tasty Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe combines tender roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory, seasoned ground beef taco mixture, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It offers a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal, blending healthy roasted vegetables with classic taco flavors for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Acorn Squash

  • 2 large acorn squash
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Taco Filling

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (grass-fed preferred)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons salt-free taco seasoning
  • ½ cup corn (optional)
  • ½ cup black beans (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping and Garnish

  • ⅔ cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to minimize cleanup. Cut each acorn squash in half either top to bottom or across the middle, then carefully remove the seeds from each half.
  2. Roast the squash: Brush each squash half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange them cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
  3. Cook the taco filling: While the squash roasts, heat a ceramic non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in tomato sauce, corn, black beans, and salt-free taco seasoning. Let the mixture cook down until it thickens. Season with salt to taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Fill the squash halves: Once the acorn squash is roasted and tender, gently mash the insides with a fork to create a soft base. Evenly divide the taco filling among the squash halves.
  5. Add cheese and finish baking: Top each stuffed squash half with about 2.5 tablespoons of sharp cheddar cheese. Return the squash to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden brown.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • To keep the dish lower in carbohydrates, omit the corn and black beans.
  • Use grass-fed beef for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
  • Salt-free taco seasoning keeps sodium levels manageable and allows for seasoning control.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and beans.
  • Squash halves can be roasted ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to fill and bake.

Keywords: acorn squash, taco stuffing, ground beef, baked squash, healthy taco recipe, gluten free, dinner recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/taco-stuffed-acorn-squash-recipe/