Mom's Stuffed Pattypan Squash

Bring comfort food to the next level with Mom's Stuffed Pattypan Squash, a delightful way to transform seasonal squash into a hearty, flavor-packed meal. This recipe combines tender, roasted pattypan squash with a savory filling of juicy ground beef or turkey, sautéed vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, all baked to perfection under a golden layer of melted mozzarella. With its perfectly balanced textures—soft squash, a hearty breadcrumb mixture, and gooey cheese—this dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this stuffed squash recipe is an excellent way to highlight pattypan squash while creating a satisfying dinner. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness before serving!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 small pattypan squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 small, finely diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cut a thin slice off the top of each pattypan squash to create a lid. Using a spoon or a melon baller, carefully scoop out the interiors, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh to form sturdy walls. Reserve the scooped-out flesh and finely chop it.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked meat to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped squash flesh and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat the vegetables.

Step 6

Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Mix in the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and cohesive. Remove from heat.

Step 7

Stuff each hollowed-out pattypan squash with the filling, pressing down gently to pack it in. Place the stuffed squash in the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

Pour 1/2 cup of water into the base of the baking dish to help steam the squash. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the squash with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the squash is tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1756.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2696.8

Total Fat 173.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 519.4mg	0%
Sodium 2373.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 34.4g
Protein 157.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2040.1mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 3339.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 20.2%