Casserole in a Pumpkin

1 1/2 to 2 pounds of ground beef
1 large onion chopped (approx 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
2-3 cups cooked rice
1 can of cream soup (mushroom, chicken or celery)
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 can sliced water chestnuts (optional)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 T brown sugar

Cook the ground beef, add onions, celery and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender. Add the mushrooms, water chestnuts to the hamburger mixture and then add to the soup and rice and set aside. Clean out a pumpkin big enough to fill with the mixture, but small enough to fit into the oven and not burn. Cook the pumpkin with the lid on for a 1/2 hour at 350 and then add the mixture to the inside of the pumpkin and cover with the lid, cook for 1 hour to 1 1/2 depending on how quickly the pumpkin cooks. Poke with a toothpick to test. Serve with a green salad and fresh rolls.
(This is a fun tradition that we make every Halloween - be sure to scoop out some cooked pumpkin- it is very tasty!)