Monday, July 30, 2012

Stuffed Patty Pan Squash

I think patty pan squash gets a bad rap. It is actually one of my favorite summer squashes, and with a little imagination can be a tasty part to any summer meal. I took advantage of the Farmers' Market and bought my squash and hamburger there. The tomatoes are cherry toms that I grew, as well as the onion.

Stuffed Patty Pan Squash
  • 6 patty pan squash
  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or chuck
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
  • shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional
Cut tops off squash and scoop out with a melon baller or spoon. Rinse squash under cold water.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Sauté chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine egg with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato mixture. Mix well. Stuff squash with meat mixture and place in a 3-quart baking dish or place in a muffin tin to keep upright. Pour remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed squash. Bake at 350° for 55 to 65 minutes. If desired, top stuffed squash with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before squash are done; bake until cheese is melted.Serves 6.

1 comment:

Farmer's Daughter said...

This looks really yummy! I love to make stuffed summer squash but I've never tried it with patty pan. Will have to try it! Thanks for joining the Homesteading Link Up and stop by to join in this week! http://farmersdaughterct.com/2012/08/17/homesteading-link-up-and-sun-dried-cherry-tomatoes/