Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash (Printable)

Roasted squash halves filled with seasoned turkey, vegetables, and apple for a comforting autumn meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Squash

01 - 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Turkey Filling

04 - 1 pound ground turkey
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
08 - 1 medium carrot, finely diced
09 - 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon dried sage
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
16 - 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
19 - Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast the squash for 30-35 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
05 - Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
06 - Stir in the diced apple, spinach, sage, thyme, paprika, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the liquid is mostly evaporated and the filling is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Remove the squash from the oven and carefully turn them cut side up. Fill each half with the turkey mixture, mounding slightly.
08 - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top if using. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan while the squash roasts, making cleanup surprisingly manageable
  • The sweet apples and warm spices turn ordinary ground turkey into something company worthy
  • It's one of those meals that looks impressive but takes very little actual effort
02 -
  • The squash needs that initial roast time alone or you'll end up with crunchy squash and overcooked filling
  • Don't skip the apple, it's the secret ingredient that makes people ask what's different about this recipe
03 -
  • If your squash wobbles on the baking sheet, slice a tiny piece off the rounded bottom to create a flat base
  • Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing so it holds its shape better

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