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Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins

A whimsical take on pizza night, these Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkins are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all enveloped in tender roasted pumpkin.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 mini pumpkins mini pumpkins The sweetness and size are perfect for stuffing.
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) For a hearty filling, can substitute with plant-based option.
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Essential for that saucy pizza flavor.
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese The gooier, the better!
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano Fresh or dried works well.
  • 1 tbsp dried basil Fresh or dried works well.
  • 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini) For an earthy touch.
  • 1 medium onion For depth of flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic For depth of flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing and brushing pumpkins.
  • to taste salt To taste.
  • to taste pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Carefully slice the tops off your mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds and stringy insides.
  3. Brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  4. Mix in mushrooms, tomato sauce, and herbs; let simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in half the cheese.
Stuffing and Baking
  1. Generously fill each pumpkin with the meat mixture.
  2. Top with the remaining cheese.
  3. Place the stuffed pumpkins on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until the pumpkins are tender.
  4. Tip: You can cover the pumpkins with foil in the first half of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to let the cheese brown.

Notes

To achieve a tender yet firm texture, keep an eye on the pumpkins as they roast. Avoid overstuffing to prevent spills and uneven cooking. A well-balanced ratio of sauce to filling is crucial.