Sausage and Beef Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients

• 1 acorn squash , halved lengthwise and seeded
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Make the squash: Season squash flesh with salt and pepper, then lightly spray with cooking spray. Place squash, cut-sides down, into a microwave-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap.

3. 3

   Microwave on high until flesh is fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, make the filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and pork sausage; cook and stir until well browned and crumbly, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain grease from the skillet and transfer meat to a bowl.

5. 5

   Cook onion and garlic in residual grease in the same skillet until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

6. 6

   Add onion mixture to meat mixture; stir in Cheddar cheese.

7. 7

   Place squash halves, cut-sides up, on a baking sheet. Spoon filling into cavities.

8. 8

   Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and squash is lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.