Why make this recipe
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Turkey and Apple is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any time of year. This recipe is gluten-free and packed with flavors from fresh herbs, vegetables, and apples, making it a wholesome meal option for everyone. Acorn squash is a fantastic vegetable to cook with; it’s not only nutritious but also provides a lovely sweet taste that pairs well with savory ground turkey. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends and family at dinner!
How to make Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Turkey and Apple
Ingredients:
- 3 small acorn squash (or 2 large)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and a bit more for roasting the squash
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or extra lean)
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 small apple, chopped (or ½ a large apple, 1 cup chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth (or chicken stock)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (or chopped dates)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or parmesan cheese)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200°C). Line a baking sheet with greased parchment paper.
- Cut the acorn squash in half from tip to stem. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle a little olive oil and half the salt & pepper over the squash. Place the squash on the parchment-lined baking sheet, flesh side up.
- Roast in the oven for 40 minutes to 1 hour, until it is easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash.
- While the squash is baking, finely chop the onion, apple, and celery. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions, apple, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. Mix until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground turkey, salt, and pepper to the pan. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to let the liquid absorb.
- Turn off the heat and add half the cheese and dried cranberries. Mix until the cheese is melted.
- When the acorn squash is fork tender, remove it from the oven and fill the squash with the turkey stuffing. Top with the rest of the cheese.
- Put the stuffed squash back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. If you want to brown the cheese, broil them for 2-3 minutes.
- Hint – If you want to prep ahead, you can chop the onion, apple, celery, thyme, and rosemary, and mince the garlic ahead of time. You can also roast the acorn squash ahead of time.
How to serve Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Turkey and Apple
Serve the stuffed acorn squash warm, maybe with a light salad on the side for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some extra herbs or a bit of hot sauce on top for added flavor. It makes for a beautiful presentation at the dinner table!
How to store Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Turkey and Apple
To store any leftovers, let the stuffed squash cool down, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or return them to the oven until warmed through.
Tips to make Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ground Turkey and Apple
- Ensure the acorn squash is fresh. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a hard skin.
- Adjust the seasoning as per your taste. You can add more herbs or spices if you like it spicier.
- If you want to make it dairy-free, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Variation
You can easily switch up the stuffing ingredients. Try using ground beef or chicken instead of turkey, or mix in different vegetables or nuts for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can use butternut or spaghetti squash as alternatives, but cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roast the squash ahead of time. Just assemble and warm them up when you are ready to eat.
How can I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute, omit the cheese or use a non-dairy version, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
