Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash is a simple, nutritious dinner. Filled with winter flavors, naturally gluten free + perfect for a quick meal!
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This Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash is perfect for eating on a cold fall/winter night. Acorn squash gets roasted to perfection and tossed with protein packed turkey, mushrooms, apples and melty cheddar cheese for the perfect salty and sweet combo. Done in under an hour and SO easy to make, this stuffed acorn squash recipe is going to be your new favorite.
If you’ve never made stuffed acorn squash, you’re in for a treat. I love making stuffed squash recipes, and they’re some of the most popular recipes on my website! Every fall these Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats and Paleo Turkey Taco Stuffed Delicata Squash are always a hit! Stuffed squash recipes are great because they’re affordable (it’s always great to eat in season!), they’re packed with great healthy carbs, and they’re just super yummy!
This Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is the ultimate cheesy, filling, protein packed delicious dinner! Like all great dinner recipes – this was made with only a few ingredients, and done in under an hour. 
Lean ground turkey, mushrooms + apples are seriously the most delicious combination!! We love this recipe because it’s very versatile. You can leave off the cheese for an awesome, hearty, paleo/whole30 meal, or you could even add some rice or quinoa if you’re looking for a heartier, more carb based meal! (I’m slightly biased on the whole cheese thing though, cause.. I mean…look at that bubbly, brown, cheesy goodness!!)
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How to cut and prepare acorn squash
- To cut acorn squash, slice from the stem towards the pointed edge of the squash directly down the middle. Acorn squashes have ridges in them, so if you can find a ridge to guide the knife through it will be easier to cut
- Once the acorn squash is cut in half, scoop out the seeds. You can just use a regular spoon. Make sure you scrape the inside of the squash until it is smooth and not stringy (use some muscles!) Discard the seeds.
- Your acorn squash is now ready to roast!
Can I make this stuffed acorn squash paleo or whole30?
Yes. To make this Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash paleo or whole30 just leave off the cheese!
Will this recipe also work with spaghetti squash?
I haven’t tried making this recipe with spaghetti squash but I’m sure it would be delicious! Check out this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats to see how to cook the squash. I would follow the directions in that post and just sub in this filling instead of the chicken/broccoli filling.
What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any type of apple in this recipe and it will be yummy, however – I prefer honey crisp apples! They’re my favorite
Looking for more healthy dinner recipes? Try these!
- Paleo Turkey Taco Stuffed Delicata Squash
- Whole 30 Greek Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats
Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup honeycrisp apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyere or mozzarella all work great!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment + spray with olive oil to prevent squash from sticking
- Slice acorn squash in half, scoop out seeds and place flat on sheet sprayed with olive oil.
- Bake the squash for 20 minutes, until it is tender when pierced with a fork
- While the squash cooks - sauté turkey in olive oil for 10-15 minutes until brown.
- Add in chopped mushrooms, apples, chicken stock, and spices to the pan with the turkey. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
- When the squash is done, remove from the oven + scoop out most of the cooked center.
- Add the squash filling to the turkey/mushroom/apple mixture in the pan+ stir until completely mixed in.
- Scoop the turkey/squash mixture back into the squash + top with cheese of choice
- Bake them at 450 for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts, and then broil for 2-3 minutes so the cheesy gets crispy.
Notes
- To make this Turkey Mushroom Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash paleo or whole30 just leave off the cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Samantha
April 3, 2018 at 10:05 pmQuestion! Would this recipe also work with spaghetti squash? If so, would the cook time or temperature change?
The Clean Eating Couple
April 4, 2018 at 2:21 pmHi Samantha, I’m not sure how this would work with a spaghetti squash… The filling of spaghetti squash is much more water-y than acorn squash. I would recommend just cooking your spaghetti squash and turkey mixture separately, shredding the spaghetti squash and then serving the turkey over it when you’re done. Hope that helps!
Kimberly Baxter
April 10, 2018 at 11:28 amWonderful recipe! A family favorite. A great way to get my kid to eat acorn squash!
The Clean Eating Couple
April 12, 2018 at 12:14 pmSo glad you like it, Kimberly!!
Dilyn
July 2, 2018 at 4:35 pmThis is so delicious! I’ve made it several times. Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple
July 4, 2018 at 8:55 pmI’m so glad you like it, Dilyn!
Whitney
August 13, 2018 at 6:38 pmDid you use red or green apples?
The Clean Eating Couple
August 14, 2018 at 9:38 amHi Whitney, You can use either. I prefer red apples but any type of apple will work!
Jenn
October 24, 2018 at 10:38 amThis is a perfect fall meal. It’s so simple to make and so filling and delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple
October 24, 2018 at 3:28 pmThank you so much!! I totally agree- it’s so cozy and yummy for fall!
Amy
November 9, 2018 at 1:55 pmThe ingredients say ground turkey but in the instructions,#9,
you refer to sausage. Is it turkey sausage or just ground turkey?
Thank you. Looks so good!
The Clean Eating Couple
November 9, 2018 at 2:10 pmHi Amy – It’s just ground turkey, that was a typo. However, you can make this with sausage, turkey or ground beef. It’s delicious no matter what you use!
Amy
November 10, 2018 at 10:00 amThank you so much for the quick reply. I just made it (using ground turkey) and the filling is very tasty! Since I’m not ready to eat it yet, I’m skipping step #10 and storing the filling and squash boats separately, to bake later. I’m also thinking if that works, this is going to be a great addition to Thanksgiving dinner.
Angela Lee
January 19, 2019 at 7:39 pmI made this without the apples and it was amazing! I will definitely be making again and can’t wait to try it with the apples. I love following The Clean Eating Couple on Instagram.
The Clean Eating Couple
January 20, 2019 at 11:36 amI’m so glad you liked this recipe, Angela! And so happy you’re following 🙂