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Turkey Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash

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A hearty and comforting meal featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with flavorful turkey chili—perfectly balanced with protein, vegetables, and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 2–2½ lb total)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14‑oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15‑oz) can kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve acorn squash, scoop out seeds, and brush cut sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking up lumps.
  5. Stir in bell pepper and cook 2–3 minutes more.
  6. Add diced tomatoes, beans, broth, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika; stir well and bring to a simmer.
  7. Lower heat and cook for 10–15 minutes until chili thickens; season with salt and pepper.
  8. Remove squash from oven and turn cut-side up. Fill each half generously with turkey chili.
  9. Optional: sprinkle cheese over each and return to oven for 5 minutes until melted.
  10. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
  • Make ahead: prepare chili and squash separately; assemble and reheat before serving.
  • Toggle spice level by adding jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce.
  • Leftover chili freezes well—reheat and stuff into squash or serve over rice or baked potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/turkey-chili-stuffed-acorn-squash/