Savory Stuffed Mini Pumpkins (Printable Version)

Tender mini pumpkins filled with seasoned ground beef, pumpkin puree, and fresh herbs for a festive fall dish.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Vegetables

01 - 10 mini pumpkins
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Protein

04 - 450 grams ground beef

→ Canned Goods & Purees

05 - 425 grams canned pumpkin puree

→ Oils & Fats

06 - 6 tablespoons olive oil

→ Herbs & Spices

07 - 2 teaspoons salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
10 - 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme
11 - 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano
12 - 1/2 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 200°C (gas mark 6).
02 - Rinse the mini pumpkins and pat them dry. Cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp. Set aside.
03 - Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
04 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pumpkin puree, the sautéed onion and garlic, pumpkin pie spice, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and sage. Stir gently until ingredients are well incorporated.
05 - Grease a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the mini pumpkins inside, brush each with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Fill each pumpkin cavity evenly with the beef mixture, replace the tops, and brush them with olive oil.
06 - Transfer the filled mini pumpkins to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pumpkins are tender and the filling is cooked through.
07 - Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Adjust seasoning according to preference.
02 - For variation, substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage.
03 - Add cheese such as parmesan or mozzarella during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.
04 - Incorporate additional vegetables like chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the stuffing mixture for more complexity.

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