A Meal in a Pumpkin
Transform your dinner table with the ultimate autumn-inspired dish, "A Meal in a Pumpkin." This hearty recipe combines a perfectly roasted pumpkin with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef or turkey, tender rice, colorful mixed vegetables, and a creamy blend of cheddar cheese and mushroom soup. Infused with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and the umami punch of soy sauce, every bite is a harmony of comforting flavors. The pumpkin doubles as both a cooking vessel and an edible serving dish, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for fall gatherings or Halloween festivities. Easy to prepare and packed with cozy, wholesome ingredients, this all-in-one meal is as nourishing as it is visually stunning. Perfect for a chilly evening, it’s a festive way to celebrate the flavors of the season while wowing your family or guests!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin (reserve the lid) and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Brush the inside of the pumpkin with olive oil and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and add the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, brown sugar, frozen vegetables, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes to heat through.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pumpkin, packing it firmly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the filling.
Place the lid back on the pumpkin and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Bake the pumpkin in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
To serve, scoop the filling along with some of the tender pumpkin flesh for a complete, flavorful bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2233 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.1 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.3 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 333 mg | 111% | |
| Sodium | 5001 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 243.2 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.6 g | ||
| Protein | 103.7 g | 207% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 484 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 20.4 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 3218 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
