Turkey and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
These beautiful roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey, nutty wild rice, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. It is a stunning and nutritious fall dinner that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.
Roasted acorn squash filled with savory ground turkey, wild rice, and cranberries for a beautiful complete fall meal.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
protein
grains
add ins
aromatics
herbs
Instructions
Roast the Acorn Squash
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place them cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until the squash flesh is tender when pierced with a fork and the cut edges are lightly caramelized.
Cook the Turkey Filling
While the squash roasts heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 7 to 8 minutes until fully cooked through with no pink remaining. Season well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Combine the Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked wild rice blend, dried cranberries, and chopped fresh sage. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The cranberries add a welcome pop of tartness that balances the savory turkey beautifully.
Fill and Finish
Flip the roasted squash halves so they are cut side up. Divide the turkey and wild rice filling evenly among the four squash cavities, mounding it generously on top. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the filling is heated through and the tops are slightly golden. Serve immediately garnished with extra fresh sage.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
I made this!
Cooked this recipe? Share your photo and inspire others.