![['A side view of a juicy Ground Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash, showcasing its colorful filling.', 'Close-up of an acorn squash halved and filled with savory ground turkey and quinoa mixture.', 'Detailed image of Ground Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash, highlighting the rich textures of the stuffing.', 'Vibrant acorn squash stuffed with ground turkey, herbs, and apple, seen from the side.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/u6426281249_close_up_photo_side_view_from_reddit._taken_with__a4785706-dd80-4f3a-8b8a-4bf04bd8b84a_0-300x300.webp)
Ground Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash
A delicious and healthy dish featuring roasted acorn squash filled with a savory ground turkey and quinoa mixture, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
- 3 medium acorn squash
- 5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk celery chopped
- 4 garlic cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 peeled and diced honeycrisp apple
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with 1 teaspoon oil, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast cut side down for 30 minutes, then flip and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook ground turkey with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in remaining salt, quinoa, and water. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
- Return turkey to pan, add apple, cranberries, sage, and thyme. Warm through, season to taste.
- Divide filling among squash halves. Bake for 10-12 minutes to brown tops. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure quinoa is rinsed before cooking for best results.