Italian Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Beef

4.4 from 10 votes
(Click the stars to vote)
A red circle with the letters GF

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This easy and healthy Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe has the saucy, gooey goodness you enjoy from your favorite Italian comfort food, but it’s ready in about 30 minutes. The family will love the savory ground beef and sauce, plus three kinds of cheese in a veggie-packed and budget-friendly quick and easy dinner.

Love this recipe? Try stuffing your lasagna goodness inside a Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf!

Cheesy Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

For many people, the pasta is the comfort food element they love most about classic homemade lasagna. But if you are all about the sauce, meat, and cheese, this is the meal for you. And when you are craving that cheesy goodness but don’t have time to make all those layers, this is the perfect easy dinner for budy nights.

As a bonus, it’s budget-friendly, too. Acorn squash recipes can be a very frugal choice, especially in the fall and winter when it is in season. Ground beef recipes are also economical options, and the only other things you need are tomato sauce and cheese. 

This Italian-inspired recipe has all that ground beef and ricotta and mozzarella cheese. But it is stuffed into roasted acorn squash for a bowl you can eat. So you get your protein and your veggies all in one simple dish. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious.

My family loves digging into is as one of our favorite cold weather meals! The kids think it’s fun to be able to eat their bowl, like this Turkey Chili in an Acorn Squash Bowl.

A fork picking up meat sauce and cheese out of a lasagna stuffed acorn squash half.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to you can make your grocery shopping list. The full amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. But keep reading for more helpful tips!

  • Acorn squash: You will need two that you cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Ground beef: I usually use 93% lean, but go with what you like best.
  • Onion: You’ll need half of a medium one, diced.
  • Tomato sauce: Use your favorite store bought or homemade marinara sauce, or simply a small 8 oz. can of sauce.
  • Ricotta cheese: Whole milk or part skim are both fine.
  • Mozzarella cheese: You’ll want it shredded, but for the best melting, I always recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded cheese in a bag.
  • Parmesan cheese: Buy it grated or freshly grate it yourself. For the best flavor, try to get fresh parmesan and not the stuff in the green canister.
The ingredients to make stuffed acorn squash on a marble tabletop.

About Acorn Squash

Before you make this stuffed squash recipe you have to start with roasting your acorn squash. But first, let’s talk about this delicous winter squash.

What does acorn squash taste like? 

Acorn squash has a slightly sweet and mild flavor and an almost buttery texture. It is not as strong of a flavor as butternut squash or pumpkin, which means it pairs well with a wide variety of foods.

It is often roasted with warm spices and flavors like maple syrup and cinnamon or ginger. But it also contrasts nicely with the kick of chili or cayenne pepper. You’ll often see squash recipes with meats like chicken and pork. Sometimes it is even stuffed with Italian sausage.

And it can be served or stuffed with grains like wild rice or quinoa, sweet flavors like apples or dried cranberries, and earthy herbs such as sage and thyme. These options are perfect to serve alongside a Thanksgiving turkey.

However, in this recipe, that mild sweetness and creamy texture also pair well with the creaminess of the ricotta cheese, the rich flavors of tomato, oregano, garlic, and onion in the sauce, and the toasty flavors of the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Is acorn squash gluten free?

Yes, acorn squash is gluten free, making this a great alternative with all the same flavors as a traditional gluten free lasagna

Is acorn squash a carb?

Acorn squash is definitely a higher carb veggie, so it may not fit into a keto or very low carb diet. However, compared to pasta, this is a lower-carb alternative to lasagna. In addition, these are natural carbs and sugars from the vegetable. This is definitely a better option for a good source of carbohydrates compared to processed foods and refined sugars.

Four acorn squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet with the seeds scooped out.

How to Roast Acorn Squash

How to cut acorn squash

Cut your squash. Be very careful when cutting acorn squash. Make sure to cut it on a stable surface, such as a large wooden cutting board with a damp kitchen towel underneath. This helps to prevent the cutting board from moving around. Using a very sharp knife, cut the squash in half from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds.

Roast the squash. After cutting your acorn squash, place the halves on a baking sheet and brush the insides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, flip them over, and bake cut side down at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

You can then proceed with the rest of this recipe. If you are not filling your squash and just eating it roasted, you may want to give it another 5 to 10 minutes in the oven with the cut side up. Trying giving it a sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs or spices, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

After roasting, the skin of acorn squash typically becomes quite tender, so yes, you can eat it if you like. However, if you prefer not to eat the skin, the flesh does separate from the skin quite easily. That is why it is recommended to roast acorn squash with the skin on. Due to the thickness of the skin and the grooves, it is very difficult to peel before baking.

How to Make Stuffed Acorn Squash

Make the meat sauce. While the acorn squash roasts, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onions, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Then saute, breaking up the ground beef while it is cooking until it is no longer pink. Stir in the tomato sauce, and adjust seasonings to taste.

Stuff the squash. Remove the squash from the oven, flip each side over, and fill the squash halves with ricotta cheese and the meat sauce mixture. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and pop the stuffed squash abck in the oven just until the cheese melts and browns slightly.

Tips for Success

  • Be budget-friendly. While you can use a jar of marinara or make your own, a simple, inexpensive 8 oz. can of tomato sauce is all you need. There is just enough in the can and you won’t have leftovers from a jar to go to waste.
  • Save time. Take a few minutes to prep your squash, and while it is roasting, prepare the fillings.
  • Change the meat. Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. You can also use ground pork or Italian sausage removed from its casings to add additional flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian. Alternatively, skip the meat altogether or add some chopped mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Storing Leftovers

If wrapped or sealed well, your stuffed acorn squash can be refrigerated for 2 or 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for 2-4 minutes until heated through. Or pop it back in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes, until hot.

You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Half of an acorn squash studded with meat sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese on a plate with a fork.

What to Serve with Stuffed Acorn Squash

You can take inspiration from your favorite Italian dinners for side dishes to serve with this meal.

A stuffed acorn squash half filled with meat sauce and cheese on a plate next to a glass of wine.

More stuffed vegetable recipes

Lasagna stuffed acorn squash topped with melted mozzarella cheese on a white plate with a fork.
4.4 from 10 votes

Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash filled with hearty ground beef and tomato sauce, plus three kinds of cheese is a veggie-packed dinner recipe inspired by your favorite Italian comfort food. Cheesy and delicious. Lower carb and gluten free. 
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 small acorn squash cut in half and seeds removed
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup tomato sauce, plus additional for serving if desired (can use any type from a can or jar, or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with olive oil; set aside.
  • Brush each squash cut half with ¼ teaspoon olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the squash cut side down until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  • While the squash is baking, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and ground beef, season with salt and pepper, brown the ground beef, breaking up as it cooks.
  • Darin any excess grease, then stir in the tomato sauce and cook until heated through.
  • Remove the squash from the oven and flip them over. Place a quarter cup of ricotta cheese in the bottom of each of the squash. Divide the meat mixture between the squash and top each with a quarter cup of mozzarella and about a teaspoon of parmesan cheese.
  • Return squash to the oven and baked for about another ten minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Nutrition Facts
Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash
Amount Per Serving (0.5 squash)
Calories 458 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Cholesterol 124mg41%
Sodium 649mg27%
Potassium 1448mg41%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 40g80%
Vitamin A 1520IU30%
Vitamin C 29mg35%
Calcium 375mg38%
Iron 5.2mg29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Categories:

18 Comments
  1. Helene Lavoie

    I just made this for supper. What a great recipe. So tasty. Will definitely make this again. Thanks a lot for sharing!

  2. Amy Kidd

    5 stars
    Just made this. It was wonderful. I used chicken which turned out great. My husband went back for thirds and he is usually a take one and then eat dessert kind of guy. We will be making this again.

  3. Budget-friendly meals: a #SundaySupper preview - Caroline's Cooking

    […] Baked Potato by Sew You Think You Can Cook Italian Baked Chicken by A Day in the Life on the Farm Lasagna Stuffed Acorn Squash by Cupcakes & Kale Chips Orzo with Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potatoes by Cooking Chat Sauteed […]

  4. Yum! This squash looks so awesome!!
    My grocery store does the curb-side pick up as well, but if you order $100 its free. I LOVE it! With two small kids, its an amazing service!

  5. That lasagna looks so delicious! I only have acorn squash right now so this would be a perfect meal for us! Grumpy’s all about the pasta noodles but he’s loving on squash also so I’m sure he’ be all over this!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




I accept the Privacy Policy