1jalapeno(diced, with seeds if you like the spice!)
2clovesgarlic(minced)
1tbsptaco seasoning(plus more to taste)
1tspdried oregano
Salt and pepper(to taste)
Instructions
Pre-bake the acorn squash
Cut each acorn squash in half length-wise (through the stem).
Scoop out the seeds and toss.
Drizzle the squash flesh with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Place cut side down in a baking dish.
Bake @400°F for 30-45 min. You will know the squash is done when you can poke a knife into the skin and it goes in easily.
Once you pull the squash out of the oven, cover to keep warm.
While the squash is baking...
Make the filling
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet.
Add the onion and saute until transparent.
Add the garlic and cook ~30 seconds, stirring.
Add the diced jalapeno and stir.
Add the ground meat, and stir often until cooked through.
Once the meat is browned, remove any excess fat that has cooked off. (See tip in notes.)
Add the diced tomatoes (with liquid), taco seasoning, and oregano. Stir to combine well and let simmer for a couple minutes.
Add the black beans to the meat mixture.
Let the filling simmer for a few more minutes, until the liquid has thickened slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Put it together and melt cheese on top
Turn the squash so their inside cavity is facing up.
Liberally mound each half with the meat filling.
Top with ¼ cup cheese each.
Return the squash to the oven and broil for ~10 min until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Enjoy
Let sit for a few minutes, then serve. A simple green salad makes a nice accompaniment, and rounds out the meal.
Notes
To drain the fat after browning the ground meat, use tongs and paper towels. Just tip the skillet, wad up some paper towels in a pair of tongs, and soak up any excess grease. Repeat until most of the grease is absorbed. Put the soaked paper towels into a used ziplock bag and toss in the trash.If you'd like to really treat this dish like it's taco night, top with salsa, cilantro, hot sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, guacamole, etc.To make this recipe Medifast lean and green friendly use a lower carb squash like kambucha or spaghetti, and leave out the black beans.