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Paleo Sloppy Joe Stuffed Squash

Paleo Sloppy Joe Stuffed Acorn Squash is an easy healthy meal that the entire family will love! Includes directions for the Instant Pot or Oven/Stove Top!
Servings 4
Author Kelli Shallal MPH RD

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat chicken, turkey, or beef
  • ½ sweet yellow onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 cup sloppy joe sauce I used DelGrosso
  • 2 cups spinach optional
  • 2 medium-size acorn squash cut in half
  • optional garnish:  1 green onion sliced 

Instructions

Instant Pot Directions:

  • As always, with the IP or any pressure cooker make sure you follow the manufacturer directions over anything in the recipe instructions.  Each IP and pressure cooker varies slightly, make sure you are aware of the differences and use precaution!
  • Add 1 cup of water to IP, then place the steam rack inside.  Place the acorn squash halves on the steam rack face down.  Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.  Pressure cook squash for 5 minutes.  
  • After it’s done pressure cooking and has switched to the warm cycle, quick release the steam by moving the steam valve to venting. (AGAIN, FOLLOW MANUFACTURER DIRECTIONS.)  Once the pressure is FULLY released you can remove the lid and the squash from the pan.  The squash will be VERY tender, in order to keep the skin on I had to use a spatula to get them out.  However, you are likely not taking photos and therefore don’t really need to worry about keeping the skin on. 
  • Remove the steaming rack and drain the liquid from the Inner cooking pot. Now set the IP to Sauté, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil, garlic, and onion. Sauté until translucent and tender, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the ground meat to the mixture (add more oil if needed, I used lean ground chicken this time so I needed another tablespoon of oil) and cook sauté until fully cooked. If desired, add a few handfuls of spinach and let it wilt down while stirring frequently. Now add your sloppy joe sauce and mix until everything is well coated and hot.  Serve ¼ of the mixture of 1 acorn squash half. Oven/Stove Top Directions:
  • Preheat your oven to 400F.  Spray each half of acorn squash with cooking spray and place face down on a baking sheet.  Bake for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender. 
  • While the squash is cooking, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil, garlic, and onion to a large nonstick skillet. Sauté until translucent and tender, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the ground meat to the mixture (add more oil if needed, I used lean ground chicken this time so I needed another tablespoon of oil) and cook sauté until fully cooked. If desired, add a few handfuls of spinach and let it wilt down while stirring frequently. Now add your sloppy joe sauce and mix until everything is well coated and hot.  Serve ¼ of the mixture of 1 acorn squash half.