Careme

Ingredients

• Kroger® Mild Italian Style Pork Meatballs 12 oz (about 10–12 meatballs) $5.00 sale
• Organic Acorn Squash 1 medium (about 1.5–2 lb) $1.99/lb
• Fresh Organic On the Vine Tomatoes (or grape tomatoes) 12 oz, chopped $3.99/lb (or $4.79/10 oz grapes)
• Organic Jumbo Sweet Onion 1/2 medium, finely diced $2.49/lb
• Garlic 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil 2 tbsp, divided
• Kosher salt 1/2 tsp (plus to taste)
• Black pepper 1/2 tsp
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Pinch
• Italian seasoning or dried oregano 1 tsp
• Simple Truth Organic® Thai Basil Container (or any basil) A small handful, torn $2.79
• Parmesan (optional) 2 tbsp, grated
• Balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar (optional) 1 tsp balsamic OR 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Prep: Heat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment.
2. Roast squash: Halve acorn squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush cut sides with 1 tbsp olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down and roast 25–30 minutes until very tender (a fork should slide in easily).
3. Start sauce (stove): While squash roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds.
4. Simmer meatballs + tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook 5 minutes, stirring, until juicy. Nestle in meatballs. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until meatballs are hot throughout and sauce thickens. Stir in basil. Taste and balance with 1 tsp balsamic (or a pinch of sugar) if the tomatoes are sharp.
5. Assemble: Flip squash halves cut-side up. Use a spoon to gently widen the center a bit if needed. Spoon meatballs and sauce into each squash half. Top with Parmesan if using.
6. Serve: Two squash halves total = 2 servings (one half per person), with extra sauce spooned over.