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Quick Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe: Best Easy 30-Minute Meal

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This quick stuffed acorn squash with wild rice and cranberries is a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. The microwave shortcut makes it possible to enjoy tender squash and a savory-sweet filling without the long roasting time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 box (6 ounces) quick-cooking wild rice mix
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the wild rice mix according to package directions (about 15 minutes).
  2. While rice cooks, cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out seeds and strings. Place squash halves cut-side down on a microwave-safe plate with 2 tablespoons water. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Flip squash halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide filling evenly among the four halves.
  6. If using cheese, sprinkle over tops. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Microwaving the squash saves 30 minutes compared to roasting. For best texture, don’t overcook the squash in the microwave. Season the squash itself with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Make filling ahead up to 2 days. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, quick weeknight dinner, vegetarian, wild rice, cranberries, 30-minute meal

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/quick-stuffed-acorn-squash-recipe-best-easy-30-minute-meal/