Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash
Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash is a cozy, vibrant dish that marries sweet and savory flavors in a stunning presentation. Each half of tender acorn squash is filled with a hearty stuffing made from lean protein, wholesome grains, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, this easy-to-make recipe brings warmth and nutrition to your table while impressing your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 halves per serving) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium acorn squashes
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
- 1 cup cheese (feta or mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the acorn squashes lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place squashes cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced vegetables until softened (about 5 minutes). Add ground turkey or beef and spices; cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked quinoa or rice and cheese until combined.
- Flip roasted squashes cut-side up, fill each half with the stuffing mixture, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half (190g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in cranberries or nuts into the filling. - Substitute farro or couscous for quinoa or rice for different textures.