Curry Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash is a fall meal that feels all at once comforting and light. Its low carb, gluten free and absolutely delicious. I stuff mine with curried ground chicken (or turkey) for the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

stuffed acorn squash on a baking sheet

When it comes to squashes that can just as easily lean sweet as they do savory, I’m almost always going to go for a savory recipe. So here we are with this fun, easy, super tasty stuffed acorn squash recipe. The natural sweetness of acorn squash pairs perfectly with the warm spices in curry.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase any of the items linked in this post, I should earn a small commission. This creates no additional cost to you and helps support the work that goes into running The Fig Jar. Thank you! -Becky 

Ingredient notes

stuffed acorn squash ingredients on a wooden cutting board

I keep the ingredients super simple for the curry and you still get big flavor.

  • Acorn squash – When at the grocery store, be sure to pick a squash that is nice and heavy, as it will likely have more moisture inside and will result in a fork tender texture.
  • Ground chicken  I prefer ground chicken for its milder flavor but you can also use ground turkey.
  • Coconut oil – Coconut oil adds flavor that makes this curry taste more authentic, although I am by no means a curry-making expert, I am a curry-eating expert!
  • Onion – I usually go for white or yellow onion in this recipe but you can also use red or shallots.
  • Red bell pepper  Feel free to use any kind you have, I just like using red for their color and slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Garlic  A must for good depth of flavor.
  • Ginger – Fresh ginger adds the best flavor, I don’t like using ground ginger in this recipe.
  • Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
  • Curry powder – Not only does the earthy flavor of curry go amazingly with squash, its just perfect for a comforting fall meal.
  • Canned full-fat coconut milk – This adds a more creamy, saucy consistency to the stuffing as well as a hint of sweetness and rounds out the curry’s flavor.
  • Lime juice and zest – another layer of flavor!
  • Parsley – Fresh herbs always add to the presentation, of course, but its not critical for flavor if you don’t have it

How to make it

Roast the acorn squash

Roasting acorn squash is simple. Cut each squash in half with a very sharp knife cross-wise, remove and discard seeds, then evenly coat with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I place each squash half cut-side (hollow side) down on the baking sheet to get those golden brown edges.

Cook the filling

While the acorn squash roasts, cook that tasty curry stuffing! Start by sautéing the peppers and onions in a large skillet over medium heat and enjoy that amazing smell! 

Then in goes the garlic and ginger for just a second. 

Next add the ground meat and use a wooden spoon to break it up and incorporate with the veggies. 

Add the curry powder, salt, pepper and cook until the chicken is just about done. 

Here is where the magic happens! Add the coconut milk, cornstarch and lime, bring to a gentle simmer and you’re ready to stuff those acorn squash halves.

Fill the squash halves with the chicken mixture, top with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

Have some leftover stuffed acorn squash? Simply place your entire cooked (and fully cooled) stuffed squash into a large airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Print

Curry Stuffed Acorn Squash

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5 from 2 reviews

The sweetness of acorn squash pairs so well with curried ground chicken. This is a perfect fall meal that comes together easily but looks and feels fancy enough for guests. 

  • Author: Becky Schmieg
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Thai
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

Roasted Acorn Squash

  • 4 whole acorn squash
  • 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • salt and pepper

Filling

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 white or yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp minced garlic (23 cloves)
  • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • juice from 1 lime
  • fresh chopped parsley for topping (optional)

Instructions

Acorn Squash

  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Cut acorn squash in half cross-wise, scoop out and discard seeds. Cut a little of the pointed bottoms of squash off so they can stand up. Rub each half with oil, sprinkle each half with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until tender. 30-35 minutes.acorn squash on a baking sheet, cut side down

Filling

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until beginning to soften.
  2. Add grated ginger, garlic, and stir, then add the ground chicken. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and mix with the veggies.ground chicken and veggies cooking in skillet for stuffed acorn squash
  3. When chicken is no longer pink: add curry powder, salt and pepper and stir. Add coconut milk, cornstarch, lime juice and zest. Turn the heat up just a touch and bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until thickened.stuffed acorn squash curry filling cooking in a skillet
  4. Remove acorn squash halves and transfer to plates or serving dish. Fill each with curry mixture. Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Substitutions

If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use olive, avocado or canola to cook the filling mixture. 

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More of my favorite recipes with squash

More poultry-centric easy dinners

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