Sure! Here’s a delightful recipe for Acorn Squash With Apple Turkey Stuffing that combines the wholesome flavors of acorn squash, tender ground turkey, and sweet McIntosh apples, creating a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. 🍽️
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people and requires approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, with 10 minutes dedicated to preparation and 1 hour for cooking. So let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 McIntosh apple, diced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon mace
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your stuffed squash.
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Prepare the Squash: Wash the acorn squash thoroughly and then, using a sharp knife, remove any stalk stub if necessary. Slice just enough off the bottom of each squash half to create a level surface, allowing them to sit evenly on a baking dish without tipping over. Cut the squash in half vertically and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center with a spoon, creating a hollow cavity.
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Prick the Squash: To help the squash cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate, prick the inside surface of each squash half all over with a fork. This will also prevent the squash from bursting during baking.
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Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced McIntosh apple, egg, salt, poultry seasoning, mace, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a flavorful stuffing mixture.
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Stuff the Squash: Spoon the turkey and apple stuffing mixture into each hollowed-out squash half, mounding it slightly if necessary to use all of the filling and create a generous portion in each squash boat.
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Bake the Stuffed Squash: Place the stuffed squash halves in a baking dish large enough to hold them without overcrowding. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam and help keep the squash moist during baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam and prevent the squash from drying out.
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Bake Until Tender: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed squash for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the squash to become tender.
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Uncover and Finish Baking: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil covering from the baking dish and continue baking the squash for an additional 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and the stuffing is cooked through, with a golden-brown crust forming on top.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed squash from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Transfer each squash half to a serving plate and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Garnish and Customize: For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, consider garnishing your stuffed squash with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme before serving. You can also customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding additional spices or ingredients to the stuffing mixture, such as diced onions, garlic, or dried cranberries for a festive touch.
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Savor the Moment: Gather around the table with your loved ones and savor each delicious bite of this comforting and nutritious dish. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight meal or served as the star attraction at a holiday gathering, Acorn Squash With Apple Turkey Stuffing is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 319.1
- Fat: 11.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 142.5mg
- Sodium: 471.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.3g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 24.1g
Now, armed with this delicious recipe, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering meal that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. Enjoy! 🥄🍂
