This baked whole pumpkin stuffed with mince makes for a delicious and visually impressive dish. Serve it as a main course for a festive meal or a special occasion. Enjoy!
Here’s a recipe for a baked whole pumpkin stuffed with mince.
Baked Whole Pumpkin Stuffed With Mince Recipe
The Baked Whole Pumpkin Stuffed With Mince recipe is a savory dish that combines elements of both American and international cuisines. It features a stuffed pumpkin with a flavorful minced meat filling, creating a unique and visually appealing presentation. The cooking time for this recipe can vary depending on the size and type of pumpkin used. Generally, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to bake the stuffed pumpkin until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The dish can be considered a main course and is suitable for special occasions or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or minced meat of your choice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Start by preparing the pumpkin. Cut off the top of the pumpkin to create a lid. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous strings from the inside. You can save the seeds for roasting later if you'd like.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or minced meat) to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula as it cooks to ensure it's evenly cooked.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the diced bell pepper, cooked rice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens slightly.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well, allowing the flavors to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Carefully spoon the filling mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin, packing it tightly. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the filling.
- Place the pumpkin lid back on top, and transfer the stuffed pumpkin to a baking dish or tray. If the pumpkin is wobbly, you can create a small foil ring to keep it steady.
- Bake the pumpkin in the preheated oven for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of pumpkin used.
- Once the pumpkin is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the lid, and garnish the top with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- To serve, scoop out portions of the pumpkin flesh along with the stuffing, and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Sure, here's a note about the Baked Whole Pumpkin Stuffed With Mince recipe:
- The choice of pumpkin: Look for a medium-sized pumpkin that is round and has a sturdy skin. Sugar pumpkins or small pie pumpkins are ideal for this recipe as they have a sweet flavor and firm flesh that holds up well during baking. Avoid using large carving pumpkins as they tend to be watery and less flavorful.
- Minced meat options: While the recipe suggests ground beef, you can substitute it with other types of minced meat such as ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination of meats. Choose your preferred option or use a leaner meat if desired.
- Rice variation: The recipe calls for cooked rice to be added to the stuffing mixture. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even a mix of wild rice for added texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different grains or grains like quinoa if you prefer.
- Seasoning: The recipe suggests using dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary for flavoring the mince mixture. However, you can customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Adding spices like paprika, cumin, or chili flakes can add a hint of warmth and depth to the dish.
- Cheese topping: While not necessary, grated cheese can be sprinkled on top of the filling before baking. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese work well. The cheese will melt and create a delicious cheesy layer on top.
- Serving suggestions: This dish can be served as a standalone main course with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also accompany it with crusty bread or dinner rolls. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of pumpkin used, so it's essential to check for doneness by piercing the pumpkin with a fork. Enjoy this unique and flavorful dish as a centerpiece for your next gathering or special occasion!
Nutrition
Serving: 50g
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Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
