Beef & Acorn Squash Rice Bowls with Maple-Balsamic Glaze | Easy Fall Dinner
Introduction
Cozy up with the ultimate comfort meal: Beef & Acorn Squash Rice Bowls with Maple-Balsamic Glaze. This recipe is a symphony of flavors earthy acorn squash, tender seasoned beef, and fluffy rice, all finished with a tangy-sweet maple balsamic glaze. It’s incredibly simple to put together, yet impressive enough for guests—making it the perfect easy fall dinner for busy weeknights or a low-fuss meal prep solution.
Why These Rice Bowls Are Fall’s Best Dinner
These rice bowls take classic autumn ingredients and bring them together in a way that’s both hearty and sophisticated. Roasted acorn squash adds a slightly sweet, nutty base, while savory beef provides satisfying protein. Tying it all together is the maple-balsamic glaze, which delivers just the right balance of sweetness and tang to highlight the season’s best flavors.
Perfecting the Maple-Balsamic Glaze
The glaze is the game-changer: pure maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard meld into a silky, glossy sauce. Simply simmer until slightly thickened, then drizzle over your bowl for a punch of fall flavor and elevated presentation.
How to Assemble the Beef & Acorn Squash Rice Bowls
Start with a bed of warm jasmine or brown rice, layer on slices of roasted acorn squash and tender sautéed beef, then drizzle generously with your homemade glaze. Top with toasted pepitas, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bowls with a side of massaged kale or a crisp apple salad to round out the meal. These bowls make wonderful leftovers—simply reheat and drizzle on extra glaze for a flavor boost. For a fully plant-based version, swap the beef for roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 generous portions. Each serving provides roughly 450-500 calories, plenty of fiber and vitamin A from the squash, and high-quality protein from the beef. The maple-balsamic reduction offers flavor with minimal added fat.
Beef & Acorn Squash Rice Bowls (Recap)
Warm, sweet acorn squash, savory beef, fluffy rice, and a crave-worthy glaze—it’s a hearty, healthful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. These bowls are sure to be a staple in your fall dinner lineup.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a smart shopping list, with every ingredient sorted by grocery section for an efficient, no-forgotten-items shopping experience!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss acorn squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, then roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- In the meantime, toss sliced beef with soy sauce and minced garlic. Heat a large skillet over medium-high; sauté beef for 4–5 minutes, just until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- For the glaze, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 5–8 minutes).
- To assemble, divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with roasted squash and beef. Drizzle generously with maple-balsamic glaze. Add your favorite toppings.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the taste of fall in every bite!
Weekly Meal Planning
This meal is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan—CookifyAI will gather all your meals for the week, cross-reference ingredients, and build a seamless shopping list for maximum efficiency.
Benefits:
- Calculates total quantities of ingredients across all planned recipes
- Organizes items by grocery store sections for faster shopping
- Prevents over-buying and cuts down on forgotten items
- Simplifies weekly meal prep and minimizes decision fatigue
Pro tip: When you schedule both this bowl and other meals using acorn squash or beef, CookifyAI combines amounts, streamlining your shopping and reducing food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
