My Recipe Box

Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

A hearty, autumnal dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, apples, and spices.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 45-60 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Zeynoz04

4.1 / 5 (524)


Ingredients

Squash
  • acorn squash

    2 medium

  • olive oil

    a drizzle

Filling
  • ground pork

    1 pound

  • onion

    1 medium

  • apple

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • sage

    a sprinkle

  • salt

    to taste

  • pepper

    to taste

  • breadcrumbs

    1 cup

Seasoning
  • nutmeg

    a pinch

  • cinnamon

    a pinch


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Begin by preheating your oven to ensure it's at the right temperature for roasting the squash.

  • 2
    Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.

    Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy pulp, creating a cavity for the filling.

  • 3
    Place the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30 minutes.

    Position the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent drying out. Then, place the squash in the oven to start the roasting process, which will make it tender and easier to fill.

  • 4
    While the squash is roasting, prepare the filling by cooking the ground pork in a pan until browned.

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground pork and cook until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it's evenly distributed and fully cooked.

  • 5
    Add the chopped onion, apple, garlic, sage, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.

    Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onion, apple, garlic, sage, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.

  • 6
    Stir in the breadcrumbs and cook for a few minutes until they're lightly toasted.

    Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir to combine with the pork and vegetable mixture. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted, which will add texture to the filling.

  • 7
    Fill the roasted squash halves with the pork mixture and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.

    After the squash has roasted for 30 minutes and is tender, fill each squash half with the prepared pork and vegetable mixture, dividing it evenly between the two squash halves. Then, place the filled squash back in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the squash is very tender.

  • 8
    Serve the stuffed squash hot, garnished with additional sage if desired.

    Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The stuffed acorn squash can be served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sage if desired, making for a beautiful and satisfying autumn meal.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

246

4

158

3

55

2

35

1

30

Reviews

  • AlexTheGreat88

    This recipe is very nice. I like squash and meat together. The pork and apple mixture is good. I wish it had some pasta or pizza, but it's okay. The steps are clear, even for me. I will make it again.

  • KT_YM_22

    I like this recipe. It is good for fall. Squash and pork are yummy. I add some chili flakes to make it spicy. Only problem is lactose, but I can make it work. I serve with rice, like my ramen. This dish is easy to make, not too hard. I like it.

  • SofiaSunshine

    I was pretty stoked to try this recipe, but unfortunately it didnt quite fit my vibe. As a vegan, I was already skeptical about the ground pork and other animal products. I mean, I get that its a seasonal recipe and all, but theres so many awesome plant-based options out there! The acorn squash was def a winner tho - I loved the idea of using it as a vessel for a filling. If I were to remake this recipe, I'd probs swap out the pork for some roasted lentils or chickpeas, and add some Mediterranean flair with olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. Maybe even some quinoa or farro for extra texture? The spices and apples were a nice touch, but I think it could've used a bit more oomph. I'd love to see a vegan version of this recipe, with some creative twists and substitutions. That being said, I'd still give it 2 stars - the concept is solid, and I appreciate the effort. Can't wait to see some plant-based adaptations out there!

  • fatimah88

    I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe, but I have to say that it's not quite aligned with my traditional Somali tastes. The use of pork in the recipe is a major turnoff for me, as I only eat Halal food. I would love to see a version of this recipe that uses a Halal protein source, such as lamb or beef. Additionally, the dish could benefit from some traditional Somali spices to give it a more authentic flavor. That being said, I do appreciate the creativity and effort that went into this recipe, and I think it could be a great starting point for someone looking to experiment with new flavors. As someone who values community and sharing meals with loved ones, I think this recipe has potential to bring people together - perhaps with a few modifications to make it more inclusive and respectful of different dietary restrictions.

  • Astri88

    This autumnal dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, apples, and spices is quite delightful. As someone with a strong affinity for traditional German cuisine, I appreciate the heartiness of this recipe, reminiscent of a warm, comforting Herbstplatte. The use of ground pork and spices brings to mind the flavors of a classic German meatloaf, or Hackbraten. However, as I am trying to reduce my meat intake, I appreciate that this recipe does not rely too heavily on meat. The combination of pork, apples, and spices within the roasted squash is a pleasant twist on traditional flavors. The addition of sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the squash nicely. Overall, I find this recipe to be a satisfying and flavorful option for a seasonal meal, and I would not hesitate to make it again.

  • RJax99

    I'm all about trying new American dishes and this Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash definitely fits the bill! I mean, who wouldn't love a hearty, autumnal dish that's basically a flavor bomb in a squash? The combo of ground pork, apples, and spices is totally on point. I do wish there was a grilled meat option, but I'm not mad at the roasted squash. One thing to note is that I had to make sure to ask about soy products, but luckily this recipe doesn't include any. Overall, I'd say this dish is a winner - it's adventurous, delicious, and perfect for a spontaneous dinner party. I'd definitely make it again and experiment with some new twists. Highly recommend!

  • SofiGarcia95

    This recipe for Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash is una delicia, despite not being a traditional Mexican dish, which I usually prefer. The combination of ground pork, apples, and spices is muy sabroso and pairs well with the roasted squash. As someone who is gluten intolerant, I appreciate that the recipe doesn't include any gluten-containing ingredients, except for breadcrumbs - a substitution with gluten-free breadcrumbs would make it perfecto. The instructions are claros and fáciles to follow, making it a great option for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Overall, I'm pleased with this recipe and would definitely make it again, perhaps with some tweaks to make it more acorde to my Mexican tastes.

  • CormacTheBard

    A squash-tacular delight, this recipe is a masterclass in autumnal comfort food. The combination of ground pork, apples, and spices is a match made in heaven, reminiscent of a crisp Irish morning. I particularly appreciate the use of locally sourced ingredients, which aligns with my values of supporting local farmers and reducing carbon footprint. The only drawback for me is the inclusion of breadcrumbs, which I'm forced to substitute with gluten-free alternatives due to my mild intolerance. Nevertheless, the dish remains a hearty and satisfying treat, perfect for a chilly evening spent with friends and family. As the great Irish poet, W.B. Yeats, once said, 'The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.' This recipe is a testament to that magic, a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

  • Gulsheen

    I was delighted to try this *Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash* recipe, which transported me to a cozy autumn afternoon, reminiscent of the warm gatherings I cherish with my loved ones. The combination of tender acorn squash, savory ground pork, and the sweetness of apples was a perfect harmony of flavors, much like the traditional Turkish dishes I adore, like *Güveç* and *Köfte*. I appreciated the use of sage and cinnamon, which added a delightful aroma to the dish, similar to the fragrance of freshly baked *Baklava*. Although I'm mindful of my sugar intake, the apples in this recipe provided a natural sweetness that I enjoyed. The preparation was straightforward, and the result was a nourishing meal that left me feeling satisfied and grateful for the simple pleasures in life. I would definitely make this recipe again and share it with my family and friends, as it embodies the warmth and hospitality that I value.

  • KT0312

    ### A Hearty Autumn Meal That's Not Bad I tried this recipe for Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash. It's okay, not too bad. I like meat, and the ground pork in this dish is good. The acorn squash is also nice, but I'm not sure if I would eat it again on its own. The recipe is not too difficult, but it takes some time to make. I had to be careful with some words in the instructions, like "stringy pulp" - I'm not sure what that means, but I think it means the yucky stuff inside the squash. The dish looks nice, and I can serve it to my friends. I would make it again, but maybe with some changes. For example, I might add some noodles or rice to make it more filling.

  • lea_duby

    This recipe for Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash has great potential, but requires some adjustments to accommodate my flexitarian diet and lactose intolerance. I replaced ground pork with a plant-based alternative, ensuring the dish remains flavorful and satisfying. The combination of apples, sage, and spices is delightful, and I appreciate the use of breadcrumbs for texture. However, I substituted traditional breadcrumbs with lactose-free options to mitigate any discomfort. The squash itself is a wonderful vessel for the filling, and I enjoyed the caramelized sweetness it developed during roasting. With careful planning and modifications, this dish can be a wonderful addition to a flexitarian's repertoire. Overall, I find this recipe to be a promising starting point, and I look forward to experimenting with it further.

  • KTsai98

    This pork and apple stuffed acorn squash recipe was **really good**! I like meat, and the ground pork was perfect. The apple and spices made it taste like fall. I added some **spicy sauce** on top, and it was even better. The only problem was I had to use **non-dairy milk** because I'm lactose intolerant. I like that it's not too hard to make, but it takes some time. I would make it again.

  • Astie87

    This pork & apple stuffed acorn squash recipe is a real winner! I mean, who doesn't love a good squash, right? The combo of ground pork, apples, and spices is straight fire, kinda like a traditional Danish 'æbleflæsk' but in a squash. I'm a big fan of smørrebrød, but this is a nice change of pace. Just gotta make sure to sub out the nutmeg, got a nut allergy and I don't wanna risk it. Easy to make, looks pretty cool on the plate... I'd def serve this at a dinner party. Only reason it's not 5 stars is that it's not super traditional Danish cuisine, but who cares, it's delish!

  • LaniWong23

    Honestly, this recipe was a bit of a letdown for me 🤔. As a pescatarian who loves sushi and poke bowls, I don't usually cook with meat, especially not pork 🐖. The idea of a stuffed acorn squash sounded kinda cool, but the execution was just... meh. I mean, I love a good squash as much as the next girl, but this recipe was just so... basic 😐. The ingredients were pretty standard, but I was expecting something with a bit more pizzazz, you know? 🎉 Also, I'm not a huge fan of sage, and the breadcrumbs kinda threw me off 🤷‍♀️. That being said, I can see why someone else might love this recipe, and it might be a great option for a cozy night in with friends 🍴. Just not for me, sadly 😔. If I were to make it again, I'd def sub out the pork for some tofu or tempeh (soy-free, of course! 🙅‍♀️) and add some more Asian-inspired flavors to give it a bit more oomph 💥.

  • NalaniJ

    I really enjoyed this Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe! As a flexitarian, I appreciate dishes that feature plant-based ingredients and lean protein sources, and this recipe definitely fits the bill. The combination of ground pork, apples, and spices was really tasty, and I loved how the sweetness of the apples balanced out the savory flavor of the pork. The acorn squash was a great vessel for the filling, and I appreciated how easy it was to make. While the recipe wasn't particularly tropical or Caribbean-inspired, which is usually my go-to cuisine, it was still a delicious and comforting fall dish that I'd definitely make again. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the attention to detail in terms of cooking times and temperatures. Overall, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for the fall season.

  • Kunal_Rao_07

    ### A Satisfying but Not Spicy Enough Dish I appreciated the flavors in this Pork and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe, but as a fan of spicy Indian street food, I found it a bit bland. The combination of ground pork, apples, and spices was interesting, but it lacked the kick I usually crave. I also had to modify the recipe to accommodate my lactose intolerance, which wasn't a problem since there was no dairy involved. The dish was hearty and perfect for autumn, but I think I'll need to add some hot sauce or spices to make it more exciting. Overall, it's a solid 3-star dish for me - good, but not exceptional.