Dinner In A Pumpkin Recipe

This Halloween, ditch the candy and embrace a savory surprise! Our Dinner in a Pumpkin recipe transforms a classic pumpkin into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Filled with savory beef, rice, and vibrant veggies, it's a unique and delicious alternative to traditional Halloween treats. Perfect for a spooky gathering or a fun family dinner.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 200 mins
Calories 280.4 kcal
Protein 41g
Rating 3.4 (5 Reviews)
Dinner In A Pumpkin 20

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Dinner In A Pumpkin

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How to Make Dinner In A Pumpkin

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wash a medium-sized pumpkin (approximately 4-5 lbs). Cut off the top, creating a lid. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, reserving seeds for roasting (optional).
  3. In a large, deep skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Drain off excess fat. Add 1 medium onion (chopped) and 2 cloves garlic (minced).
  5. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Mix thoroughly.
  8. Layer 1/3 of 1 cup shredded green cabbage, 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans, and the beef/rice mixture inside the pumpkin.
  9. Repeat layers twice more, filling the pumpkin almost to the top.
  10. Replace the pumpkin lid. Place the pumpkin in a baking dish and add about 1 inch of water to the bottom to prevent burning.
  11. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pumpkin is tender and the rice is cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the pumpkin.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

34 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

17g

Carbs

9g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes The Americas American Gluten Free Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Baking One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Casseroles Main Dish Beef Vegetables American Southern United States Oven Fall Holiday Event Kid Friendly Dietary One Dish Meal Halloween Seasonal Ground Beef Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Equipment 4 Hours Or Less