Name: Southwestern Stuffed Summer Squash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8 stuffed halves
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

Southwestern Stuffed Summer Squash is super easy to make and a delicious vegetarian main course to serve. It turns out that stuffed summer squash is my favorite way to eat this abundant garden vegetable.

Southwestern Stuffed Summer Squash cover

From the Cook

1/7

Southwestern Stuffed Summer Squash

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Balancing Bowls.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Sauté and salt (½ teaspoon) the finely chopped onions in a little bit of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium/low and add in the crushed garlic. Cook on low until the onions are translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes.

Place the cooked onions and garlic, blackbeans, bell peppers, and spices into a medium size bowl. Mix in the breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, jalapenos, salt (1 teaspoon), and egg and set the mixture aside.

Line a cookie sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Cut the squash down the middle lengthwise. Using a spoon to scoop out the seedy interior of the squash and discard. Place the squash cut side up on the cookie sheet.

Scoop the filling in to the wells of the squash.

Bake for approximately 40 to 60 minutes. It depends on the size of the squash.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Squash Prep Perfection 🥒
Hollow out the summer squash carefully, leaving a 1/4-inch thick wall to prevent breaking and ensure a sturdy vessel for stuffing.
Moisture Management 💦
Salt the hollowed squash and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy final dish.
Breadcrumb Brilliance 🥖
Toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing to add an extra layer of nutty flavor and crispy texture.
Spice Layering Technique 🌶️
Toast the ground spices like cumin and cayenne in olive oil before adding to the filling to bloom their flavors and intensify the Southwestern profile.
Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
Use a combination of cheeses and finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.