If you’re looking for something different, thats easy for weeknights or a rainy day, look no further than Slow Cooker Lebanese Kousa Mahshi! Also known as Lebanese stuffed squash, this classic dish features tender summer squash (or kousa squash) filled with spiced meat and rice, all simmered in a savory tomato sauce.
Traditionally cooked on the stovetop, we’re giving this timeless recipe a modern twist by making it in the slow cooker for hands-off ease and maximum flavor. Plus, we’re loading it with traditional Lebanese spices like cinnamon, allspice, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, and cloves for a rich, aromatic taste.
This recipe also highlights our partnership with Davis Natural Produce, your local source for fresh, organic vegetables right here in the Mt. Washington Valley.
Where to Buy Fresh Local Produce for Kousa Mahshi
We’re thrilled to partner with Davis Natural Produce, who grow some of the best local, organic veggies around. You can find their produce:
- 7 days a week (10 AM – 6 PM) at International Mountain Equipment NOCO
- Saturdays from 3 PM – 6 PM at Tuckerman Brewery in Conway (July through September)
Be sure to pick up your squash and other fresh ingredients for this dish from Davis Natural Produce!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Kousa Mahshi
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy slow cooker recipe:
- 6 medium summer squash (or kousa squash...Davis Natural Produce has Kousa squash this week!!)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or lamb
- 1¼ cups long grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (plus an extra 8 oz can if you prefer thicker sauce)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 3-4 cups water (just enough to cover the squash in the slow cooker)
- Plain yogurt or labneh for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Lebanese Stuffed Squash
1. Prep the Squash
- Wash and trim the ends of the squash.
- Carefully core out the insides using a squash corer or small spoon, leaving a thin wall all around.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the ground meat, rice, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, cloves, and 4 tablespoons of the tomato sauce.
- Gently combine until evenly mixed.
3. Stuff the Squash
- Fill each hollowed squash loosely with the meat mixture, leaving about ½ inch at the top for the rice to expand.
4. Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Lay the stuffed squash horizontally in the slow cooker. Stack gently if needed.
5. Add Sauce and Water
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce (and the extra can if you prefer a thicker sauce) over the squash.
- Add 3-4 cups of water, enough to just cover the squash.
6. Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2.5-3.5 hours, until the squash is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Check halfway and add more water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Serve
- Carefully remove the squash, spoon sauce over the top, and serve with plain yogurt or labneh for a delicious creamy contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Kousa Mahshi
✅ Easy Prep: No babysitting a pot on the stove—let your slow cooker handle dinner!
✅ Authentic Flavors: Traditional Lebanese spices bring deep, rich flavor.
✅ Healthy & Wholesome: Made with fresh, local vegetables from Davis Natural Produce.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Great leftovers for easy lunches or dinners.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stuffed Squash
- Don’t overpack the stuffing—it needs room to expand while cooking.
- Use lean ground lamb or beef for authentic Lebanese flavor.
- Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper or cayenne if you love a spicy kick.
- Pair with fresh salads, pita bread, and labneh for a complete meal.
Make Meal Prep Easy!
If you’re diving into delicious recipes like this one, make your meal planning even simpler with our Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep. Get tips, sample plans, and easy recipes to help you save time in the kitchen:
👉 Download our Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep here
Slow Cooker Lebanese Kousa Mahshi is the perfect way to bring authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. Pick up your fresh squash from Davis Natural Produce and give this comforting dish a try. Your tastebuds will thank you!
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