![- 2 medium acorn squashes - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a delicious and filling dish. Each item adds flavor and nutrition. The acorn squash serves as a tasty bowl. Quinoa is rich in protein and fiber. Black beans and corn add a nice texture. The spices bring warmth and depth. Fresh cilantro and lime finish the dish with brightness. This meal is packed with nutrients. It is low in calories and high in fiber. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Calories: About 350 per serving - Protein: 12 grams - Fiber: 8 grams - Vitamins: A, C, and several B vitamins - Minerals: Iron, magnesium, and potassium Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids. It supports muscle health and keeps you full. Black beans are high in fiber and help with digestion. They also keep your heart healthy. Corn adds vitamins and minerals, while acorn squash provides antioxidants. Enjoying this dish supports your health in many ways! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe] link. First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab the acorn squashes. Cut them in half and scoop out the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. They should become tender while cooking. Next, let's make the quinoa. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork when done. Now, it’s time to make the filling. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Stir in 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and the cooked quinoa. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is nice and hot. Once your squashes are done roasting, carefully flip them cut-side up. Fill each half generously with the quinoa mixture. You can pack it in well. Return the stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. They should be hot and ready to serve. After baking, let the squashes cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added flavor. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through every step! When picking acorn squash, look for ones that are firm and heavy. The skin should be dark green with a few orange spots. These signs show that the squash is ripe. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes. Generally, acorn squash is best in the fall and winter months. During this time, you will find it fresh and tasty at local markets. To cook fluffy quinoa, rinse it well under cold water first. This step removes bitterness. Use two cups of vegetable broth for every cup of quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the quinoa. Cover and reduce the heat. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is gone. You can also use farro or brown rice if you want a change. Both grains work well in this dish. Add more depth to your dish with spices or herbs. Try adding oregano, thyme, or even a dash of cinnamon. Each of these can bring a new twist to the flavor. For a nice touch, top the stuffed squash with avocado or pumpkin seeds. These will add creaminess and crunch to your meal. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Instead of quinoa, try using rice or millet. Both grains cook well and add a nice texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for added crunch. Just check the labels of your ingredients to be sure they are safe. Want to add more protein? Consider using tofu or tempeh. Tofu is soft and absorbs flavors well. You can cube it and sauté it with your veggies. Tempeh has a nutty taste and provides a hearty bite. Crumble it into your filling for extra protein. Incorporate seasonal vegetables for unique flavors. In fall, add roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. In spring, try peas or asparagus. For holidays, think about adding cranberries for a sweet twist. These changes keep the dish fresh and fun throughout the year. To keep your stuffed acorn squash fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This way, they stay tasty for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each stuffed squash in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed squash on a baking tray. Cover with foil to hold in moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to keep the texture nice and the flavors intact. You can also use a microwave for quicker results. Just make sure to cover them to avoid drying out. For busy days, meal prep can save you time. You can cook the quinoa and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store each in separate containers in the fridge. When you are ready, just stuff the acorn squash and bake. This method makes it easy to enjoy this healthy meal without all the fuss. You can also prepare the filling a day before. Just mix it up and store it until you are ready to use it. Yes, you can use different squashes. Try butternut or spaghetti squash. Both have great flavors. They also roast well and hold the filling nicely. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Butternut squash may take longer to cook. Spaghetti squash will need a different cutting method. Slice it in half lengthwise for easy roasting. Each squash will give a unique taste to the dish. Yes, this recipe is vegan. It has no animal products. The filling is packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and black beans. You can easily adapt it for other diets. If you want to add cheese, feel free to sprinkle some on top. Just remember, it won't be vegan anymore. If you like heat, add more chili powder. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you want to keep it fresh, try adding hot sauce after cooking. A squeeze of lime with spicy sauce can brighten the dish too. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right heat for you. You can serve this as both a main dish or a side. For a main dish, serve with a salad or bread. It makes a hearty meal that fills you up. As a side, pair it with grilled vegetables or a protein. It complements many meals and adds color to your plate. Try it with roasted chicken or a veggie burger for a delicious combo. For the full recipe, check out the details above! This blog post shared a simple way to cook stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and beans. We discussed the needed ingredients, including fresh vegetables and spices, and how to prepare them. I included tips to select the best squash and variations to enhance your dish. You can enjoy a tasty, healthy meal while getting creative. Try different spices or add seasonal veggies. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Now, gather your ingredients and start making this vibrant dish!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6d061b47-349d-4b1e-9022-e8712b9268cf-250x250.webp)
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Discover a delicious way to enjoy fall flavors with this savory vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe! Filled with a hearty quinoa mixture, black beans, and vibrant veggies, these stuffed squashes are not only nutritious but also bursting with taste. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!