Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Is a Fall Favorite
- The Comfort of Chili Meets the Sweetness of Squash
- Easy Recipes That Deliver on Flavor
- A Healthy and Satisfying Meal for Any Night
- Make-Ahead Friendly and Meal Prep Ready
- Tips to Elevate This Easy Dinner Recipe
Key Takeaways
This Turkey Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash is an easy recipe perfect for fall dinners. It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, corn, and warm spices, this comforting meal is great for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of sweet roasted acorn squash and savory chili makes this a favorite among quick and easy recipes for dinner.
Why This Easy Recipe Is a Fall Favorite
There’s something incredibly comforting about roasting squash on a crisp fall day. At Patricia Universe (https://www.patriciauniverse.com), we love pairing seasonal produce with classic comfort foods. This recipe blends the sweetness of acorn squash with a hearty turkey chili, making it one of our top-rated easy recipes for the cooler months.
The Comfort of Chili Meets the Sweetness of Squash
One bite of this stuffed squash and you’ll understand why it’s become a family favorite. The warm spices in the chili—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika—bring depth without overwhelming heat. Combine that with protein-rich turkey, beans, and corn, and you’ve got a filling, wholesome meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Easy Recipes That Deliver on Flavor
If you’re always on the lookout for easy recipes that actually satisfy, this one’s for you. The turkey chili can be made in advance, saving you precious time during busy evenings. Just roast the squash when you’re ready and dinner is served in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a dependable choice.
A Healthy and Satisfying Meal for Any Night
Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and nutrients, this recipe checks all the boxes for healthy meals that don’t skimp on comfort. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and incredibly filling. Plus, it uses affordable ingredients—great if you’re keeping an eye on your food receipt easy recipes budget.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Meal Prep Ready
This dish stores and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for quick and easy recipes. You can cook the chili in advance and roast the squash fresh—or even roast it ahead and warm it up when needed. It’s flexible and fits beautifully into a fall dinner ideas plan, especially for those trying to stay healthy during the week.
Tips to Elevate This Easy Dinner Recipe
Want to take this dinner up a notch? Top with shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. Don’t forget to season your squash generously before roasting—it enhances the contrast between the sweet flesh and the savory filling. Serve with a light salad for a complete dinner recipe idea the whole family will enjoy.
Easy Turkey Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- Olive oil spray
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- Shredded cheese or fresh herbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the acorn squash halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast squash for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
- Meanwhile, spray a skillet with olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt.
- Add tomato sauce and water. Stir in black beans and corn, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
- Spoon the turkey chili evenly into the roasted squash halves.
- Top with cheese or herbs if desired. Serve hot.
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