Small-Batch Beef Stuffed Pears
Warm, gently spiced beef stuffed pears make a soft, comforting treat. This small-batch dessert mixes cooked ground beef with sweet spices and fruit for a mild sweet-and-savory finish.
This recipe is made for 1–2 servings. It uses soft baked pears and finely cooked ground beef for an easy-to-chew texture. The steps are short and use common ingredients from the supermarket.
If you enjoy similar warm dishes, try a gentle beef and vegetable stew for small portions or pair this with a beef and carrot mash for soft portions to create a heartier meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett work well), halved and cored
- 6 oz (about 170 g) lean ground beef
- 1 small shallot or 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil or mild vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp raisins or chopped soft dried apricots
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or 2 tsp maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium beef broth or water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper
- 1 tsp butter or olive oil for the pear tops
You can serve these beef stuffed pears with a small side of plain yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soft sweet bread for extra comfort.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a small baking dish.
- Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the core and a little flesh to make a cavity, leaving the base intact so pears hold their shape.
- Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add the shallot, cooking 1–2 minutes until soft.
- Add the ground beef, break into small pieces, and cook until no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in raisins, cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar or maple syrup if using, then add the broth and simmer gently 2–3 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pear cavities and top each filled pear with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake 18–25 minutes until pears are soft when pierced with a fork and the filling is warmed through; if pears brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Let pears cool 5 minutes before serving and enjoy warm, optionally with a spoonful of plain yogurt or soft custard.
Tips and Easy Variations
Make the filling softer
- Cook the beef a little longer and stir in an extra tablespoon of broth for a looser texture.
- Finely chop the cooked beef or pulse once in a food processor for easier chewing.
- Choose very ripe pears so the fruit softens quickly in the oven.
Lighten for digestion
- Use lean ground beef and reduce or omit the brown sugar to keep it lighter.
- Serve with plain yogurt to aid digestion and add creaminess.
- Reduce spices like ginger if you prefer a milder flavor.
Variations and swaps
- Swap raisins for chopped dates or soft apricots for a different sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein option.
Salt and sweetness tips
- Use low-sodium broth and taste before adding salt to control sodium.
- Reduce or skip brown sugar and rely on dried fruit for sweetness.
- If you have dietary limits, check with your health professional about salt and sugar amounts.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Freezing whole stuffed pears is not ideal; you can freeze the cooked filling in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (325°F / 160°C) for 8–10 minutes or in a microwave on medium power until warm, reheating slowly so pears soften without drying out.
Conclusion
Give these beef stuffed pears a try for a small, gentle dessert that blends soft baked fruit with a mild savory filling.
They are simple to make, easy on the teeth, and sized for one or two people, ready in under 30 minutes for a warm, comforting treat.
FAQ
Can I use canned pears?▶
Fresh pears give the best texture, but canned pears in juice (not heavy syrup) can work. Warm them gently before filling and watch baking time since canned fruit is already soft.
Is ground turkey or chicken OK?▶
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are good substitutes and can make the dish lighter and easier to digest.
