Paleo Sloppy Joes in Roasted Acorn Squash

I love roasted acorn squash. We usually just roast it with a touch of ghee and a drizzle of maple syrup. For this dish I skipped the maple and filled it with a delicious meat mixture. This sloppy joe recipe reminds me of my childhood. It's definitely paleo comfort food. You may notice that the base of the sauce is my ketchup recipe, so if you have some premise you can use that. This is a large portion meal. You can always freeze the meat mixture and save it for an "I don't want to cook" kind of day.  Be sure to plan ahead and use a very large pan, I use my cuisinart electric skillet, or you can always make a smaller portion.   I'd recommend 1/2-1 acorn squash per person.




Paleo Sloppy Joe in Roasted Acorn Squash

2-4 acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
3 lbs ground meat (bison, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, ect)
Ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil
1/2 bag of baby carrots, coarsely chopped (or minced for picky eaters)
2 large onions, minced
15 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
4 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Pinch of cloves
1/4 tsp all spice
2 tbsp honey (optional)
3 tsp sea salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4-1 tsp chili powder (depending on personal tastes)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp coconut aminos

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash on roasting pan. Lightly coat flesh of squash with ghee or oil of choice. Place squash in oven and roast for 45-60 minutes. In large skillet over medium heat, heat ghee or oil. Add ground meat, after about halfway browned add onions and carrots. Sauté until brown, breaking up meat clumps as you stir. Add tomato sauce and paste. Stir to combine. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Allow to simmer over low heat for 10-20 minutes, or until squash is ready. Scoop hearty portions of meat mixture into squash. Serve and enjoy!!



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