Stuffed squash recipes are the epitome of delicious fall flavors. This easy stuffed acorn squash recipe with ground beef and rice is made in an Instant Pot and on the stove.
Start by cooking the squash. Slice squash in half along the center. Scoop out seeds. Place trivet in Instant Pot, then fill with 1 cup of water. Place ½ squash in cut side down. For ready to eat leftover squash, I recommend cooking bout slices. Secure lid, set vent to sealing. Set Instant Pot to MANUAL, and set timer to 7 minutes. Release pressure immediately when timer goes off. Carefully remove lid and remove each half of squash with tongs. Set aside.
Cut ⅛ onion and about 8 stalks of asparagus.
Make beef stuffing. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to hot skillet. Add cut onion, sliced asparagus, salt and ½ T Italian seasoning to skillet. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, cook until beef is no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes. Add pre-cooked rice, and cook until rice is warmed, about 3 minutes.
Place squash half on plate, cut side up, fill with beef mixture. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy.
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Notes
Place both parts of the squash in Instant Pot to have squash for other recipes.
Remove asparagus from pan before adding beef if you don't want to use it all in this stuffed squash dish. That way you can us it in soup or another dish.
To save time, cook beef mixture while squash is in Instant Pot. They will take about the same amount of time.
Use any similarly sized squash. Acorn is often the most available, but it'll be great with any winter squash.