Stuffed Delicata Squash with Beef & Cranberries (Low Carb, Gluten-free)

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Cranberries are one of my favorite seasonal foods during the holiday months. For many of us, cranberry sauce comes to mind (and my sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe is one of my most popular ones yet!). But there are so many other wonderful ways to use cranberries. This stuffed delicata squash recipe with beef, goat cheese, rosemary, and cranberries is a perfect example.

Winter squash is not traditionally considered a low carb food, since it’s rather starchy compared to other vegetables. There are definitely exceptions, like pumpkin (always a favorite in sugar-free pumpkin bread) and spaghetti squash (try it in spaghetti squash carbonara). But in general, it’s rare that you’ll see other types of winter squash in low carb recipes. Still, I’ve actually found that there are ways to incorporate moderate-carb winter squash in a low carb diet. Of these, delicata squash is the lowest carb in the bunch.

Delicata squash is a perfect vehicle for meat filling. Once you scoop out the seeds and roast it, it has a nicely generous cavity just waiting to be stuffed. This stuffed delicata squash creates an entire meal that’s ready with just once recipe. We all know I’m a huge fan of that!

Another advantage of stuffed delicata squash? Roasting it takes less time compared to other types of winter squash, so the overall recipe is quicker, too. This one takes just 30 minutes from start to table, because you can make the cranberry beef filling while the squash roasts. Both parts take almost the same amount of time, and then you just assemble them. I’ll bet you can find half an hour to make this even on a busy week night!

When you’re yearning for comfort food and still want something that looks festive, try this stuffed delicata squash recipe. The red cranberries and green rosemary have a bit of a Christmas-sy feel to them, but not so much that you can’t serve this all winter long. The delicata squash satisfies a craving for something starchy without too many carbs, while the filling is smoky, tangy, and a little sweet all at the same time. I hope you’ll make it with me!

Stuffed Delicata Squash with Beef & Cranberries (Low Carb, Gluten-free):
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Stuffed Delicata Squash with Beef & Cranberries (Low Carb, Gluten-free)

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This naturally gluten-free stuffed delicata squash recipe is packed with rosemary infused ground beef, plump fresh cranberries, and creamy goat cheese.

Servings	Prep Time	Cook Time
servings	5 minutes	25 minutes

Stuffed Delicata Squash with Beef & Cranberries (Low Carb, Gluten-free) Print recipe This naturally gluten-free stuffed delicata squash recipe is packed with rosemary infused ground beef, plump fresh cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. Servings Prep Time Cook Time servings 5 minutes 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium Delicata squash (1.5 lb each)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 3/4 cup Fresh cranberries
• 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Goat cheese (crumbled)
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Slice delicata squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Use half of the olive oil to drizzle the inside of each half. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and black pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down, and roast for 20-30 minutes, until the squash is tender and edges are browned.
3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and break the pieces apart with a spoon or spatula. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, continuing to break apart and stir occasionally, until browned.
5. Stir in the cranberries and rosemary. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for until cranberries are soft, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the meat mixture from heat, toss with goat cheese, and fill the squash halves with it. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 247 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15g 23%

Total Carbohydrates 16g 5%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 4g

Protein 14g 28%

Vitamin A 49%

Vitamin C 38%

Calcium 10%

Iron 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Net carbs per serving: 13g

*Recipe makes 4 stuffed squash halves. One serving is half of one of these halves - they are large when stuffed and surprisingly filling!

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Want more low carb, gluten-free ideas for squash? Try these:

Savory Squash Kefir Pancakes (Low Carb, Gluten-free)

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Stuffed Summer Squash Boats with Beef, Shiitake Mushrooms & Swiss Cheese (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)