STUFFED PUMPKIN DINNER

Stuffed Pumpkin Dinner image

This recipe is a great way to use a pumpkin up after scooping out the seeds to bake. It is so delicious and fancy enough to serve to guests.-Christin Holt, Kingsburg, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

1 large pumpkin (5-1/2 to 6 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 small green pepper, chopped
1-1/2 cups cooked rice
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup finely chopped fully cooked ham
2 eggs, beaten
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar

Steps:

Wash pumpkin; cut a 6-in. circle around top stem. Remove top and set aside; discard seeds and loose fibers from inside. Place pumpkin in a large Dutch oven. Fill with boiling water to a depth of 6 in.; add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the pumpkin is almost tender but holds its shape. Carefully remove and drain well; pat dry. , In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain well. Cool slightly; place in a large bowl. Add rice, tomato sauce, ham, eggs, garlic, oregano, pepper, vinegar and remaining salt. , Place pumpkin in a shallow sturdy baking pan. Firmly pack beef mixture into pumpkin; replace top. Leaving pan uncovered, bake at 350° for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes. Remove the top; if desired, use paper towel to remove excess moisture from top of meat. Slice pumpkin into wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 114mg cholesterol, Sodium 595mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.