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Stuffed Pumpkin with Meat, Rice, and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Enjoy a cozy autumn meal with this hearty stuffed pumpkin recipe, filled with a savory blend of ground meat, cooked rice, melted Gruyère cheese, and fresh herbs, baked until tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium pumpkin
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the top off the pumpkin and carefully scoop out the seeds and fibrous strings. Season the inside of the pumpkin cavity with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Cook the Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the ground meat, cooking thoroughly until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the cooked rice, chopped parsley, thyme, and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Stuff the Pumpkin: Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed pumpkin, filling it evenly. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the filling to keep it moist during baking. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then place the pumpkin lid back on to cover.
  4. Bake: Place the stuffed pumpkin into a baking dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork but still holds its shape.
  5. Serve: Once baked, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm for a comforting, festive meal.

Notes

  • Choose a pumpkin that sits flat to prevent tipping while baking.
  • Precook the rice and meat to reduce the overall baking time and ensure thorough cooking.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pumpkin; it should be tender yet maintain its shape.
  • Allow the stuffed pumpkin to rest after baking to make slicing and serving easier.
  • Save the pumpkin seeds after scooping to roast them as a tasty snack or garnish.

Find it online: https://everecipes.com/stuffed-pumpkin-with-meat-rice-and-cheese-recipe/