Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This Turkey Stuffed Delicata Squash is the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavors, and stunning presentation that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Imagine tender, roasted squash boats filled with savory ground turkey, protein-packed quinoa, and a medley of colorful vegetables - it's like a warm hug on a plate that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice delicata squashes lengthwise and remove seeds using a spoon. Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they become tender but still hold their shape.
- While squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Fill each squash half generously with the turkey-quinoa mixture.
- If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed squash halves.
- Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose firm, bright-colored delicata squashes with no soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't skip roasting the squash first - this step concentrates the natural sweetness and creates a perfect vessel for the stuffing.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your turkey mixture.
- If you're watching calories, you can skip the cheese or use a low-fat alternative.
- Make sure to break the ground turkey into small, even pieces for consistent cooking and better integration with quinoa.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Let the stuffed squash rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
