The Best Fall Dinner in a Pumpkin Recipe

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Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meal to serve on Halloween night? Look no further than Dinner in a Pumpkin! This unique dish involves cooking a casserole right inside of a pumpkin, resulting in a warm and comforting meal with all the flavors of fall.

To make Dinner in a Pumpkin, simply cut a circle around the stem of your pumpkin and remove the top. Scoop out the seeds and fibers from inside, then set the pumpkin aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion, celery, and green pepper until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Add in your choice of seasonings and sauce, along with any additional vegetables or rice. Spoon the mixture into the pumpkin, then bake in the oven until the pumpkin and filling are fully cooked.

Not only is Dinner in a Pumpkin a delicious and satisfying meal, it’s also a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween with your family and friends. Plus, the pumpkin itself makes for a beautiful and unique serving dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why Dinner in a Pumpkin has become a fall favorite for so many.

History of Dinner in a Pumpkin

Dinner in a Pumpkin is a classic fall dish that has been around for decades. It is a fun and unique way to serve a casserole, and it is perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving. The dish has its roots in American cuisine and has been passed down through generations of families.

The history of Dinner in a Pumpkin is not very well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the Midwest. It is a dish that is often associated with Halloween, and it is said to have been a popular dish at Halloween parties in the 1950s and 1960s.

The dish is typically made by hollowing out a pumpkin and filling it with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables. The pumpkin is then baked in the oven until the filling is cooked through. The result is a delicious and flavorful casserole that is both festive and satisfying.

Over the years, Dinner in a Pumpkin has become a beloved tradition for many families. It is a dish that is often passed down from generation to generation, and it is a fun way to celebrate the fall season. Whether you are looking for a festive dish to serve at a Halloween party or a cozy dinner for your family, Dinner in a Pumpkin is sure to be a hit.

Today, we’ll give you some tips on how to make dinner in a pumpkin from start to finish so that you can enjoy all of those wonderful flavors of fall without any of the fuss or mess. I honestly think it is a perfect recipe for fall! It even makes for a fun idea as a Halloween night dinner.

**You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef — low sodium soy or soup, even brown rice instead of white, to make things a little healthier.

Pumpkin Selection

The first ingredient you’ll need is a medium-sized pumpkin. Look for one that sits up well on its own so it will stay upright on the baking sheet. The pumpkin will serve as the edible bowl for the filling. Make sure to pick a pumpkin that is not too large or too small. A 2-1/2 pound pumpkin is a good size for this recipe.

Preparing the Pumpkin

To prepare the pumpkin for Dinner in a Pumpkin, wash the outside of the pumpkin and cut a 4-inch circle around the stem. Remove the top and set it aside, then discard the seeds and loose fibers from inside. Place the pumpkin in a shallow, sturdy baking pan and set it aside.

Easy Dinner in a Pumpkin

You will need:

• 1 medium pumpkin
• 2 lbs. hamburger
• 1 diced onion
• 2 stalks celery – diced
• 1/4 c soy sauce – that would be a tablespoon soy sauce times 4
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 4-oz can sliced mushrooms (drained)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup – you can use cream of celery soup if you want or even cream of mushroom soup.
• 2 cups hot cooked white rice
• optional: 1/2 diced green pepper
• optional: 1 can of sliced water chestnuts, coarsely chopped.

You will also want a large rimmed baking sheet

Dinner in a Pumpkin recipe:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

First, you want to cook your rice. I highly suggest REAL rice, not instant rice as the instant variety tends to get mushier in the final product. If you don’t know how to make the perfect cooked rice from scratch – here is a great video for you:

I would also skip the wild rice for this – as much as I love it, it will throw off the taste of this easy meal.

While the rice is cooking, let’s get that medium size pumpkin ready! Cut the top of the pumpkin to create a lid for the Jack o’lantern. On the outside of your pumpkin, paint on a face with a magic marker. (this makes it fun for the little people…not a necessary step)

Using an ice cream scoop, remove the inside of the pumpkin – the pumpkin seeds and pulp.

Get out a cutting board and start dicing your onions, celery, and /or bell peppers or water chestnuts.

In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, onions, celery, mushrooms, and soup. When the rice is finished, add to the mixture in the bowl too.

It’s time to brown ground beef! Take your two pounds of meat and put it in a large skillet with a little salt and pepper. Over medium heat, cook it until you no longer see any pink. Drain the grease off.

Now, stir in your cooked-off ground beef. Your beef mixture is ready for stuffing that pumpkin with a hearty casserole!

How to cook dinner in a pumpkin

Spoon the mixture into the pumpkin. Place your little pumpkin on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and pop the top on it. Place that on the lower rack of the oven. Bake for 1 hour until the pumpkin itself is tender. You won’t believe how good the house smells when cooking pumpkin! You can set the entire pumpkin on the dinner table – simply scoop out to serve, making sure to scrape some of the insides of the pumpkin flesh to eat with it too!

How cool is that for a new family Halloween tradition? It makes for a fun meal this time of year.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Dinner in a Pumpkin, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of this unique dish. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get started.

Accompaniments

Dinner in a Pumpkin is a hearty and filling dish, so you’ll want to pair it with some lighter sides to balance things out. Here are a few suggestions:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
• Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans
• A crusty bread or rolls to soak up the sauce
• A light dessert, such as fruit or sorbet, to finish things off

Presentation Tips

One of the best things about Dinner in a Pumpkin is the way it looks when it’s served. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the presentation:

• Use a large, sturdy spoon to scoop out the filling and pumpkin flesh. Be careful not to scrape the sides of the pumpkin too much, as this can cause it to collapse.
• Serve the pumpkin on a large platter or cutting board to make it easier to transport to the table.
• If you’re serving Dinner in a Pumpkin for a Halloween party or other festive occasion, consider decorating the pumpkin with some seasonal accents, such as fall leaves or mini pumpkins.

By following these serving suggestions, you can create a memorable and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits

Dinner in a pumpkin is not only a fun and creative way to serve a meal, but it can also provide some nutritional benefits. Here are some of the nutrients you can get from this dish:

Vitamin A

Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains over 200% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A.

Fiber

Dinner in a pumpkin can be a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains around 3 grams of fiber.

Potassium

Pumpkin is also a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains around 500mg of potassium.

Low in Calories

Dinner in a pumpkin can be a great low-calorie meal option. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only around 50 calories, making it a great choice for those looking to watch their calorie intake.

Overall, dinner in a pumpkin can be a nutritious and delicious meal option. With its high vitamin A content, fiber, potassium, and low calorie count, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of variations to try when it comes to dinner in a pumpkin. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Dinner in a Pumpkin

For a vegetarian option, swap out the meat for some hearty vegetables. Consider adding some of the following:

• Cubed butternut squash
• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped spinach
• Cooked lentils

You can also experiment with different grains, like quinoa or wild rice, to add some texture and flavor.

Spicy Dinner in a Pumpkin

If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding some heat to your dinner in a pumpkin. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Add some diced jalapeño peppers or green chilies to the filling
• Mix in some hot sauce or sriracha
• Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
• Use spicy sausage instead of mild

Just be sure to adjust the spiciness to your liking, and keep in mind that some people may not be able to handle as much heat as you can.

No matter what variations you choose to try, dinner in a pumpkin is a fun and festive way to enjoy a delicious meal. So grab a pumpkin and get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some pumpkin casserole recipes?

There are many pumpkin casserole recipes to choose from. Some popular options include Dinner in a Pumpkin Casserole, Pumpkin and Sausage Casserole, and Pumpkin and Chicken Casserole. These recipes typically involve scooping out the inside of a pumpkin and filling it with a mixture of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and rice. The pumpkin is then baked until tender.

How do you cook the inside of a pumpkin?

To cook the inside of a pumpkin, start by cutting off the top and scooping out the seeds and pulp. You can then either bake the pumpkin in the oven or cook it on the stovetop. If cooking in the oven, place the pumpkin in a baking dish and roast it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, or until the flesh is tender. If cooking on the stovetop, cut the pumpkin into chunks and boil or steam until tender.

What can be made from pumpkin besides pie?

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes besides pie. Some popular options include pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, and pumpkin curry. You can also roast pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack or use pumpkin puree as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes.

What are some recipes that use pumpkin?

In addition to pumpkin casserole recipes, there are many other dishes that use pumpkin. Some popular options include pumpkin risotto, pumpkin chili, pumpkin lasagna, and pumpkin mac and cheese. You can also use pumpkin in sweet dishes, such as pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin bread pudding.

What are some dishes that pair well with pumpkin?

Pumpkin pairs well with a variety of flavors, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Some dishes that pair well with pumpkin include roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, as well as grains like rice and quinoa. You can also pair pumpkin with other fall vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

Can pumpkin be used in savory dishes?

Yes, pumpkin can be used in a variety of savory dishes. In addition to pumpkin casserole recipes, you can use pumpkin in soups, stews, and curries. Pumpkin puree can also be used as a thickener for sauces and gravies. When using pumpkin in savory dishes, it’s important to balance its sweetness with savory ingredients like garlic, onions, and spices.

Like our perfect fall meal idea? Try these:

• Easy Chicken Tater Tots Casserole For the InstantPot
• The Best Cornflake Potatoes Funeral Casserole Recipe Ever
• Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
• Incredibly Tasty Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Has Only Five Ingredients
• Great Depression Recipes: Hearty 6 Layer Casserole
• Mouthwatering Ceasar Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Print off our recipe here