Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash {BEST Ever!}

Nothing screams fall like Stuffed Acorn Squash with ground turkey, kale and the perfect blend of spices. This show-stopping autumn inspired meal is comforting, colorful and loaded with earthy flavors; it’s fancy enough for the holidays yet easy enough for a simple weeknight meal!

We also love this sausage stuffed butternut squash and ground turkey zucchini boats!

acorn squash dinner recipe stuffed with ground turkey and melted cheese

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
How to Make Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash
Optional Add In’s and Variations
Tips for Best Results
FAQs
Serving Recommendations
Making It in Advance
More Squash Recipes

Stuffed acorn squash officially means fall cooking is ‘on’ in my kitchen. With it’s colorful hues and earthy taste, this winter squash recipe brings all the cozy vibes of fall inside and onto your dinner table. If you have ever wondered ‘what to do with acorn squash’ that you just picked up at the farmers market or grocer, this oven baked squash recipe is for you!

Recipes that are ‘stuffed’ look impressive but are usually surprisingly easy. Like this chicken with brie or spinach stuffed chicken breast. And the same goes for this stuffed acorn squash recipe.

Think sweet tender squash roasted in the oven while you put the finishing touches on the rest of your autumn inspired meal of kale, apple and quinoa salad, and cranberry sauce.

I also share an easy way to cut through the thick skin of squash without losing a finger because while we can all agree healthy acorn squash recipes are delicious, we can also agree that winter squash can be tough to slice through!

Not only does this recipe solve what to do with acorn squash, but it is a ‘one pan’ meal that is great for a weeknight dinner but also elegant enough for your holiday table. I just love that about this acorn squash dinner recipe ~ Enjoy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Helps solve the question of ‘what to do with acorn squash’ with an easy baked winter squash recipe.
Stuffed acorn squash ground turkey is colorful with earthy tastes that match the essence of autumn.
Baked acorn squash dinner recipe is a healthy main or side and lower in carbs with no rice included in the stuffing
Easy enough for a weeknight dinner with only 7 minutes of prep time, but also elegant enough to impress guests during the holidays
High in antioxidants with vitamins A and C – one more reason to eat plenty of acorn squash during the fall!

Ingredients You Will Need

Meat: You can use ground turkey (like I did) or chicken. Ground beef is more fatty. If you do use ground beef, drain the fat while browning the meat.
Veggies: Acorn squash, onion and garlic. Pick smaller squash if serving individual portions.

Did you know that while acorn squash is considered a winter squash, it actually belongs to the same species of summer squash plants!?!

Spinach or kale: These hearty greens give stuffed acorn squash a bright pop of color as well as a nutritional boost.
Spices and seasonings: Fresh parsley, dried rosemary and tomato paste.
Cheese: Any hard cheese like cheddar, marble or colby cheese, freshly grated is best.

You may also love these 45 healthy ground turkey recipes!

How to Make Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash

There is a full recipe card below.

Cut and seed acorn squash: Start by placing a rubber mat under the cutting board to reduce sliding. Using a long serrated knife, cut through the skin of the squash, helping with a meat mallet. And then, just split open and scoop out the seeds.

Use a meat mallet if you need help to ‘hammer’ your knife through the skin. You could also use a crinkle cutter if you have one on hand.

Bake squash: First, brush the squash with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes with the cut side up in preheated 450 degrees F oven.
Prepare stuffing: Cook onion and garlic in large skillet until translucent. Then add turkey and cook for ~7 minutes. Finally, add the spices, herbs and spinach. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese.
Stuff: Add a scoop of stuffing to each pre-baked squash half. Then, sprinkle with more cheese.
Bake: Just another 25 minutes in the oven and it’s done!

Optional Add In’s and Variations

Swap out your herb combinations for thyme/sage or oregano/basil.
Add some heat by sprinkling in some red chili pepper flakes with your ground turkey stuffing.
Go meat free by using sautéed portobello mushrooms or substituting cooked chickpeas.
Use the meat you have an hand– leftover chopped baked chicken breast, ground chicken or ground turkey sausage.
Omit cheese for a dairy free option or substitute for a dairy free brand.
Make it heartier by adding some cooked rice or quinoa into the stuffing.
Toss in dried cranberries with your stuffing mix – especially great for a holiday meal!

Tips for Best Results

Use medium to large squash to have enough room for the ground turkey stuffing.

Save the seeds and roast them just like pumpkin seeds – toss them into salads or for garnish.

Cook your healthy acorn squash ground turkey stuffing up to a day in advance – this is especially great when prepping for your healthy Thanksgiving recipes dinner.
Don’t over bake your stuffed squash. You want it tender, not mushy.
No acorn squash? Use butternut, delicata or buttercup squash (cooking time may need to be adjusted).

FAQs

Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

Yes, and you should consider doing so! The skin of an acorn squash (like many other vegetables!) is packed with nutrients. By roasting your acorn squash, the skin becomes soft and edible. The choice is yours though, if you don’t prefer the skin, just scoop out the squash and filling and eat it that way.

Is acorn squash healthy?

Yes, it is low calorie while also being high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

What does acorn squash taste like?

Acorn squash has a sweet, nutty taste. It is a very mild tasting – some even say buttery in taste. Leave a comment with how it tastes for you!

What is the difference between acorn squash and butternut squash?

While both are considered ‘winter squash’, they do vary in look, texture and taste. Butternut squash is sweeter and smoother in texture – which is why it is used in soup more often. Acorn squash, while sweeter as well, has a ‘nuttier’ taste profile and is more fibrous (sometimes stringy).

Serving Recommendations

This acorn squash dinner recipe is a great addition to any meal as well as as complete meal in itself!

Salad: Serve hot with an autumn inspired salad like this kale and quinoa salad with apples.
Side dish: Pair with oven baked chicken breast, pork chops or sirloin tip roast for a healthy comfort food dinner.
Soup: Serve with minestrone soup, vegetable soup or healthy tomato soup for a cozy winter meal.
Holidays: As part of your holiday spread with green bean casserole and mashed potatoes.

Leftover turkey mixture? Serve alongside your poached eggs and toast in the morning or use it for ground chicken stuffed peppers.

Making It in Advance

Store: Stuffed acorn squash can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Make ahead: Turkey stuffing can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours until ready to assemble.

More Squash Recipes

Categories:
Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Ground Turkey, High Protein Recipes, Holidays, Low Carb, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving

About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

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