Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- A Family Tradition, Baked Right Inside a Pumpkin
- Why Dinner Recipes Like This One Are a Fall Must-Have
- The Secret to a Fun, Edible Presentation
- Make It Ahead for Stress-Free Comfort Food
- Cozy Nights Call for This Easy Dinner
- Tips to Make Your Pumpkin Dinner Shine
Key Takeaways
This cozy dinner recipe is a fun, festive, and comforting fall meal that uses an actual pumpkin as a serving vessel. With ground beef, rice, and veggies all baked together inside a tender pumpkin, this is the kind of recipe that brings people together and makes memories around the table.
A Family Tradition, Baked Right Inside a Pumpkin
If you’re searching for comforting dinner recipes that feel special but don’t require hours in the kitchen, this one is for you. At Betty Cooks, we love meals that make dinner feel like an event—and this pumpkin bake does just that. Two things happen when you bake a meal in a pumpkin: people get curious, and people get excited. From the warm aroma to the hearty filling, this recipe is pure fall comfort in one dish.
Why Dinner Recipes Like This One Are a Fall Must-Have
Not only is this pumpkin dinner recipe budget-friendly and simple, but it also uses pantry staples and brings out the best in seasonal produce. Recipes for dinner that combine flavor, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia are the ones we come back to again and again. This one hits all those notes—plus, it makes for a fun presentation your family won’t forget.
The Secret to a Fun, Edible Presentation
Using a real pumpkin as a baking dish turns this meal into something magical. It’s not just a vessel—it becomes part of the dish. Scoop the filling along with the soft, roasted pumpkin for a complete bite. It’s a clever way to sneak in veggies and a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Make It Ahead for Stress-Free Comfort Food
Quick and easy recipes like this one are lifesavers during busy weeknights. You can prep the filling ahead of time, stuff the pumpkin, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s an ideal meal for when you want something hearty without spending your entire evening in the kitchen.
Cozy Nights Call for This Easy Dinner
Fall dinners are all about warmth and comfort, and this dish is no exception. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something different for your usual dinner lineup, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for family meals, potlucks, or even Friendsgiving celebrations.
Tips to Make Your Pumpkin Dinner Shine
Choose a pumpkin that’s firm, fresh, and can stand upright. Don’t overbake—it should be tender but not collapsing. And be sure to season the inside lightly for extra flavor. With just a few small touches, your dinner recipes can go from good to unforgettable.
Find more cozy meals like this at Betty Cooks.
Dinner in a Pumpkin: Easy Family Meal Idea
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin (8–10 inches in diameter, cleaned and top removed)
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice
- 1 can (4 ounces) mushrooms, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, brown sugar, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and cooked rice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the cleaned pumpkin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Fill the pumpkin with the beef and rice mixture, then place the pumpkin top back on.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60–75 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Remove the lid and scoop out servings, including some cooked pumpkin flesh with each portion.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
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