Mirliton and Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Family Meals

If you’re seeking a delicious and hearty dish that combines the unique texture of mirliton with the savory richness of ground beef, you’re in the right place. Mirliton, also known as chayote squash, is a versatile vegetable popular in Cajun and Creole cooking.

Its mild flavor and crisp texture make it the perfect vessel for stuffing with flavorful ground beef mixtures. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, mirliton and ground beef recipes offer a wonderful blend of taste and nutrition.

In this post, we’ll explore multiple ways to enjoy mirliton and ground beef, from classic stuffed mirliton to creative skillet meals. You’ll learn why this combination is a favorite in Southern kitchens and how to prepare it with ease.

Get ready to discover a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mirliton and ground beef recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb, flavorful dish that feels indulgent without the heaviness. Mirliton’s mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the savory, spiced ground beef perfectly.

Plus, this vegetable’s natural cavity makes it ideal for stuffing, giving you a fun and elegant presentation.

Not only are these recipes delicious, but they are also highly customizable. You can adjust spices and add vegetables to suit your taste.

Moreover, mirliton is rich in fiber and vitamins, making this meal nutritious as well as satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 4 large mirlitons (chayote squash)
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (red or green)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling mirlitons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or small ice cream scoop for stuffing
• Baking dish or casserole pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the mirlitons: Start by washing the mirlitons thoroughly. Boil them in salted water for about 20-25 minutes or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Halve and scoop: Once cooled, slice each mirliton in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell to hold the stuffing. Set the scooped flesh aside in a bowl.
3. Cook the ground beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Mix in mirliton flesh and seasonings: Chop the scooped mirliton flesh and add it to the beef mixture. Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook together for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Add breadcrumbs and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to bind the mixture. Add chicken broth gradually if the mixture feels dry.
7. Stuff the mirliton shells: Spoon the beef mixture into each mirliton shell generously. Place them in a baking dish.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stuffed mirlitons for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden and the filling is heated through.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To avoid mushy mirlitons, don’t overboil them. They should be tender but still firm enough to hold the stuffing.

You can customize this recipe in many ways. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Vegetarians can substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Try topping the stuffed mirlitons with shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar before baking for an extra cheesy crust. You can also mix in chopped mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrients.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a traditional Southern touch, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or dirty rice.

To elevate the meal, offer a side of cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up any juices. A light white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Mirliton and ground beef recipes provide a comforting, flavorful option that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of tender mirliton and seasoned ground beef creates a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body.

Whether you stick to the classic stuffed mirliton or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Southern-inspired cooking right in your own kitchen!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Mirliton and Ground Beef Casserole”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A savory casserole combining tender mirliton squash and seasoned ground beef. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 medium mirlitons, peeled and diced”, “1 lb ground beef”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup diced tomatoes”, “1/2 cup bell pepper, diced”, “1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup chopped parsley”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil diced mirliton in salted water for 10 minutes until tender; drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef, cook until browned; season with thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked mirliton; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a baking dish; sprinkle breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}