Cozy up with a hearty and wholesome dish that celebrates the warmth of fall and the richness of simple ingredients. This Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash is everything comforting in one meal: roasted squash with caramelized edges, savory ground turkey, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables all baked together in one irresistible package.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or putting together a festive dish for a holiday table, this stuffed squash recipe hits all the right notes. It offers an easy yet elegant presentation, and the flavors are just as satisfying as the look. Plus, it’s a lighter alternative to heavier casseroles without losing any of the comfort-food appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

This dish brings together the natural sweetness of acorn squash and the savory depth of seasoned turkey. It’s nutrient-packed, gluten-free, and fits beautifully into a healthy eating plan without sacrificing flavor. Each squash half serves as its own built-in bowl, making this meal as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Meal preppers will love how easily it stores and reheats. And if you’re serving guests, expect plenty of impressed smiles at the table.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Squash?

Acorn squash is ideal here because its size and shape naturally cradle the filling, but you can certainly switch things up. Delicata or small butternut squash halves can work just as well with a bit of trimming to stabilize them. Just be sure to adjust your roasting time depending on the density of the squash you choose.

Ingredients for the Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

To create this cozy and savory dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh, whole ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Acorn squash
Olive oil
Ground turkey
Yellow onion
Garlic
Celery
Carrot
Fresh sage
Fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Each ingredient plays a role. Acorn squash offers a sweet, earthy base that roasts to perfection. Ground turkey is lean yet flavorful and forms the protein-rich core. Yellow onion, garlic, celery, and carrot add depth, texture, and natural sweetness, creating that comforting stuffing feel. Sage and thyme infuse classic autumnal flavor. And a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired, finishes everything with a salty, nutty edge.

How To Make the Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the acorn squashes in half from stem to tip and scoop out the seeds. Brush each half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until tender and golden at the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the chopped onion, celery, and carrot until soft, then add the garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in chopped sage and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Remove the squash from the oven and flip them cut side up. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each squash half. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it generously on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Serve the stuffed squash hot from the oven, garnished with more herbs or cheese if you like. It’s a full meal in every bite.

Serving and Storing This Stuffed Acorn Squash

This recipe makes four hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal prep plan for the week. Each squash half is its own complete portion, packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed squash for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash?

A Crisp Green Salad

A simple salad with arugula, apple slices, and a vinaigrette brings a bright, fresh contrast to the savory warmth of the squash.

Cranberry Sauce

A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce on the side adds holiday flair and a pop of color.

Garlic Bread or Rolls

For a bit of crunch and to soak up every bit of filling, serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

They complement the fall flavors perfectly and bring a little charred crispiness to the table.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with balsamic reduction pair beautifully with the herbaceous turkey.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you want a heartier side, mashed potatoes provide that comfort-food feel.

Apple Cider or Mulled Wine

Perfect drinks for setting a cozy fall mood.

Want More Stuffed Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash, you’ll want to explore more flavorful and comforting meals like these:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for pasta lovers.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce when you’re craving hearty Italian.
Mushroom Mozzarella Bake for a cozy vegetarian option.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need a one-pot dinner.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to satisfy your Alfredo cravings.

Save This Recipe For Later

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding cranberries or cheese to your filling? Maybe used sausage instead of turkey?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to ask questions too — let’s help each other make dinnertime more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes and seasonal favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next cozy favorite.