Dinner in a Pumpkin

1 (8 to 10 pound) pumpkin
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Italian herbs
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1/4 tablespoon pepper
4 cups tomato juice
1 cup regular rice, uncooked
3 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 pound green beans, freshly cooked

Rinse pumpkin, cut off top and scrape out and discard seeds.

Cook ground beef slightly; drain off grease. Add onion and garlic, and saute slightly. Add seasonings and tomato juice; heat. Mix with uncooked rice.

Shred cabbage and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces. Layer one-third each of cabbage, green beans, rice and meat mixture in pumpkin placed in a large baking dish or pan with sides. Repeat layers. Replace pumpkin lid.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until done. Pumpkin is done when it is soft when pierced with a fork.

Serve stew with tossed green salad and corn bread.

Serves 8.