Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Author: emily
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A comforting dish featuring acorn squash stuffed with savory ground turkey, sweet apples, and tart cranberries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large acorn squash (or 2 small ones), cut in half
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon plain bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  2. Cut the bottom and top of the squash to create flat surfaces, then cut the squash in half vertically.
  3. Scoop out all the seeds from the squash using a spoon.
  4. Brush both halves of the squash with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and pepper.
  5. Place the squash in the oven and roast it for 50 minutes to 1 hour until tender.
  6. Meanwhile, heat an additional tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  7. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is thoroughly brown.
  8. Remove the cooked turkey from the skillet and set aside.
  9. In the same skillet, pour in a little more olive oil if needed, and add the chopped onions and dried thyme.
  10. Cook the onions until they become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
  11. Add the chopped celery, apple, and dried cranberries to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture softens.
  12. Return the cooked turkey to the pan and stir in the chicken stock, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
  13. Cook the mixture for another 3 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
  14. Stir in the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything thoroughly. Check for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
  15. Fill the scooped-out squash halves with the turkey stuffing.
  16. Place the stuffed squash back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Notes

You can swap ground turkey for chicken or add nuts for extra crunch.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Turkey, Acorn Squash, Stuffed Squash, Fall Recipe, Hearty Dish

Have you tried this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we’re eager to see your masterpiece!

Find it online: https://lusciousrecipes.com/turkey-stuffed-acorn-squash/