Stuffed delicata squash is a hearty and healthy dinner option! This simple recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.
For a long time, I was not a huge squash fan. There are some squash recipes that I really like, but I just was not in love with it. I wasn’t filling my grocery cart with piles of squash, you know?
Then I found out about delicata squash, and I fell in love.
Delicata squash has such a mild and sweet flavor that it’s hard not to love it. It bakes up pretty quickly and is perfect for stuffing with all kinds of fillings.
Can you eat the skin of delicata squash?
Yes, you can eat the skin if you want to – it’s quite thin and is tender after cooking. One way to prepare it is to seed it, slice it into thin pieces with the skin still on and roast it that way. This roasted delicata squash with cranberries is a delicious holiday side.
What does delicata squash taste like?
It is very mild, and sweet, somewhat like a sweet potato or butternut squash. Even if you don’t like squash, I think it’s still worth giving this variety a try.
It’s the only squash that I enjoy eating roasted with butter and salt and pepper. Other varieties of squash are just too “squashy” tasting for me. If you don’t love the taste of some of the stronger squashes, you might want to try the delicata variety and see what you think.
What should you put inside roasted delicata squash?
We like to stuff it with seasoned ground turkey or beef. I also love it stuffed with a mixture of quinoa and beans. The small size is perfect for individual portions, and since the flesh is thinner, it doesn’t take very long to roast.
This stuffed delicate squash recipe is:
- grain free
- gluten free
- suitable for the Whole 30 or Paleo diet
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Stuffed Delicata Squash.
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Slice each squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil in each half, then season with salt and pepper.
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Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.
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While the squash cooks, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the onion and ground turkey or beef over medium heat. Cook until meat is no longer pink.
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Drain off any oil, then add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Cook on low for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Once the squash is tender, remove from the oven and spoon the stuffing into each half. Return to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
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Serve immediately.
Are you a squash fan? What’s your favorite variety?
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
Would you believe I’ve never had delicata squash before?! A travesty! I must make it right away!
Kelly
It’s so good! Try to find some and bake it up!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
I actually love squash, but I’ve never tried delicata. I’m going to find some asap! I love this take on an easy and healthy weeknight meal!
Kelly
You should try it!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven
What?? I’m totally a squash kinda girl, but I’ve never even tried delicata squash! Pretty sure that’s gonna have to change this weekend—can’t wait to try this, Kelly!
Kelly
Go find it! :)
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living
What a pretty dish! Love the idea of stuffing delicata squash.
Kelly
Thank you, Jeanette!
whiskandshout
I’ve never had delicata squash, but I used to hate the idea of any kind of squash until recently, and now I’m obsessed- this is on my list!
Kelly
You have to try it! It’s very tasty.
Jenny Shea Rawn
I’m a squash lover (all kinds)! but haven’t had delicata squash yet this year. This may be my first recipe!
Kelly
Sounds like a plan!
dianeboy
I love squash so I’m sure I’m going to love delicata. Can try this one fast enough!
Kelly
Great, I hope you love it! :)
Emily @ Zen & Spice
I’ve never tried it, and I don’t know if I’ve seen it in the store! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it now!
Kelly
Or check the farmer’s market!
Strength and Sunshine
Delicata squash is “delicate” ;) I do love how mild it is! I’ve always been loving Sweet Dumpling squash!
Kelly
Oh, I have not heard of sweet dumpling, I will have to look for it!
Lisa
In addition to the flavor and the fact that you don’t have to peel the skin, I love delicata squash because it’s so easy to cut it open! I’m always worried that I might lose a limb when I’m chopping butternut squash…
I’ve never stuffed delicata squash before, and I need to try that soon!
Kelly
YES! I feel the same way! I am always worried I’m going to saw a finger off.
Sarah Grace
ooo, I love EVERY kind of squash so I’m excited to try this one!! I’ve been getting acorn and spaghetti squashes every week :)
xo
Kelly
Yes, you should try it!
Katie {mom's kitchen handbook}
Delicata is one of my favorites for fall… love how you’ve done it here.
Kelly
Thanks, Katie!
Julia
I’m ALL ABOUT THE SQUASH (<- sorry for the enthusiasm), and love this clean and simple delicata meal you've got going on here! I don't have nearly enough delicata experience under my belt, so you're inspiring me to hop to it!
Lisa
Hahaha, I LOVE the squash enthusiasm, Julia!
Kelly
Go find one and stuff it with all kinds of goodness!
taramdeal
I LOVE love love delicata squash!! :)
Kelly
My favorite!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I’m not a big squash fan either, so I will have to try this delicata kind! I’ve never heard of it before, so now I’me eager to find it. Sounds delicious, Kelly!
Kelly
Yes, find it ASAP! I think you’ll like it!
Aggie | Aggie's Kitchen
My mom introduced me to delicata squash a few years ago, she stuffed it and it was so delicious. Your recipe looks beautiful and I’m inspired to try it again!!
Kelly
Thank you so much!