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Pork-Stuffed Calabacita Squash
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5 from 1 vote

Pork-Stuffed Calabacita Squash

This stuffed calabacita squash is packed with delicious shredded pork, lots of great seasonings, and a cilantro lime cream sauce!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Cassy

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin about 1 pound
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder divided
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin divided
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter ghee, or coconut oil
  • 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 6 calabacita or "tatuma" squash, seeds removed (may also use summer squash or zucchini)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

For the chipotle cream sauce::

  • 1/3 cup avocado oil mayo
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 1/2 limes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle or chili powder

Instructions

Prepare the pork tenderloin by dusting it liberally with half of the chili powder, cumin, garlic, and sea salt. To cook the pork, follow one of the methods below:

  • Using the Instant Pot: With just the metal bowl inserted (no extra pieces), turn the Instant Pot onto "Saute." Add the butter and wait until melted. Once melted, add the seasoned pork tenderloin. Brown for 3 to 4 minutes on 3 to 4 sides, or until each side is browned. Press "cancel," cover with 4 to 6 cups of water, and lock the lid into place. Set to cook for 35 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid.
  • Using a Slow Cooker: Using either an oven-safe slow cooker insert or a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned pork tenderloin. Brown for 3 to 4 minutes on 3 to 4 sides, or until each side is browned. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker, cover with 4 to 6 cups water, and set to "high" for 4 hours.
  • Using a Dutch Oven: Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned pork tenderloin. Brown for 3 to 4 minutes on 3 to 4 sides, or until each side is browned. Cover with 4 to 6 cups water, reduce the heat to low/medium, and let simmer for about 4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  • Once the pork is cooked, transfer to a large mixing bowl and shred into small pieces. Add the canned tomatoes (with water) and the rest of the spices. Stir to combine.
  • Spread the de-seeded squash out into either a large casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet, cut-side facing up. Stuff with the pork mixture and then bake at 350 F for 45 minutes, or until cooked through but not burned.
  • While the squash is baking, prepare the sauce by mixing it together until smooth.
  • Once cooked, pour the sauce over top and garnish with the cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 880mg | Potassium: 3185mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 80478IU | Vitamin C: 166mg | Calcium: 406mg | Iron: 8mg