Nourished by Kelsey Nicole
  • About
    • Kelsey Nicole
    • Disclaimer
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers & Starters
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides & Snacks
    • Sweet Treats
    • Cheers!
  • Blog
  • Work with Me
  • Shop
    • Kelsey’s Favorites
    • Supplements
  • Freebies
  • Contact
Main Dishes  /  December 16, 2019

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Print

This recipe for Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash is a flavorful, nutrient-dense, hearty meal. Basically, it’s all the flavors of Christmas wrapped up in one recipe.

It combines balanced portions of protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and full all night long. It’s packed with nutritious foods that help promote health and healing in the body, while pleasing your taste buds.

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

How to Make Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Anything “stuffed” sounds complicated. I get it. Luckily, I’m here to tell you that this Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash is easy as 1, 2, 3. I’ll prove it:

  1. Bake the acorn squash in the oven.
  2. Sauté all the veggies in a large skillet and add the ground turkey. 
  3. Scoop the seeds out of the squash, stuff with turkey mixture, and bake some more.

Ta-da!

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Key Ingredients to Make Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn Squash (Duh!)

Acorn squash is a Winter staple in my diet. Not only is it tasty, but also super good for you. It’s loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. Hello, cold and flu season. It’s high in fiber and potassium, too! 

Ground Turkey

Poultry should always be bought at the highest quality you can find. At Whole Foods, I prefer to buy Step 3+, when I can. Be sure to look for organic, pasture-raised poultry. Or, better yet, buy from your local farmer!

Raw Cranberries

Adding fresh cranberries to this recipe, adds a hint of holiday flavor. 

Pear

I love a good sweet and savory combination, which is why pear is key in this recipe. A ripe pear adds subtle sweetness to this tasty dish!

Health Benefits of Fresh Cranberries

Fresh, raw cranberries are rich in nutrients. Although not as sweet as dried and sweetened cranberries, fresh cranberries offer many health benefits! Once cooked and added to other ingredients, they taste less bitter and more flavorful.

Cranberries are best known as a superfood and rightly so. They are loaded with:

  • Antioxidants 
  • Antimicrobials
  • Polyphenols
  • Vitamin C and E
  • Fiber

As a result, cranberries can help treat urinary tract infections, improve digestion, and boost your immune system! If you’re on the hunt for additional cranberry recipes, these Paleo Cranberry Orange Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a must-try!

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash is a flavorful, nutrtient-dense, hearty meal. It combines protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs cooking fat (ghee, coconut oil, avocado oil)
  • 4 small acorn squash (or 2 larger ones)
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 pear, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 oz white mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Carefully, cut off the top of the acorn squash (where the stem is). Also, cut off the bottom of the squash to provide a flat surface (to sit upright). Place the squash (bottom side down) on the baking tray and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, add 1 tbs cooking fat to a large skillet. Over medium heat, saute the onion untitl golden brown. Add celery and mushrooms and saute for 5 more minutes.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook with veggies until the turkey is completely cooked through. Season with garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add in cranberries and pear. Saute for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. When the acorn squash are done baking, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Reduce temperature to 350F.
  7. Using a spoon, carefully carve out the top of the squash and spoon out the seeds/flesh. Repeat on other the squash. If only using 2 large acorn squash, slice them in half.
  8. Spoon the turkey filling into the whole squash or half squash. Bake for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and serve warm!
© Kelsey Cummins

Post navigation

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Christmas Cookie Roundup

Related posts

Paleo Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Bake
Main Dishes  /  July 30, 2019
2 Comments

Paleo Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Bake

Goat Cheese & Spinach Turkey Burgers
Main Dishes  /  December 2, 2017
2 Comments

Goat Cheese & Spinach Turkey Burgers

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce
Main Dishes  /  February 5, 2020
1 Comment

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Meat Sauce

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sign up for the Nourished Weekly Dinner Menu!

nourishedbykelseynicole

Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent
#nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
• Email campaigns
• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner 
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging 
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth 
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent #nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
👉🏼 The caffeine (AKA stimulant) spikes your blood sugar levels.
👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

Good thing he’s the cutest!

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #rhodesianridgeback #rhodie
I eat carbs at every meal! 🍎🥖🥔🫓🥛🍫

Here’s why…

Our bodies NEED carbohydrates for: 
• Physical energy
• Brain power
• Muscle repair and growth
• A healthy gut microbiome
• Metabolic efficiency 
• Healthy digestion 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

Some of my favorite carb sources are:
• Fresh sourdough bread 
• Sweet potatoes and red potatoes 
• Squash and carrots
• Seasonal fruit 
• Honey and maple syrup 
• Raw milk
• Cassava tortillas and pasta 
• Homemade baked goods with cassava flour
• Dark chocolate 

What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #carbs #glutenfreecarbs #healthycarbs #carbsbenefits
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 
1/4 butter, melted and cooled
1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice (I use raw whole milk)
1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
4. Pour into muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

*Recipe adapted from @fitmittenkitchen 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #pumpkinmuffins #proteinpumpkinmuffins #glutenfreepumpkinmuffins
5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
2. Working out fasted 
3. Limiting consumption of fruit and natural sugars
4. Opting for “low fat” foods
5. Drinking a gallon of water daily.

All of these habits add excessive stress to the body and can eventually lead to symptoms of burn out and physiological imbalances, like:
PMS
Weight gain
Acne
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
AND SO MUCH MORE

Sometimes, our bodies need us to intentionally do LESS, not more. If you’re in a constant (physical or mental) state of stress, this means YOU!

Did you know these “healthy” habits could be detrimental to your health? 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #stress #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle
Follow on Instagram!
  • Elara Pro by LyraThemes.com
  • Copyright 2019, Nourished by Kelsey Nicole LLC
Skip to Recipe