Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash
Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash is hearty Southwest turkey chili stuffed in roasted delicata squash. Top with cheese and cilantro for one delicious fall meal!
Believe it or not, it’s still around 80 degrees here in Northern California. I haven’t even worn boots or sweaters yet, and it’s almost Halloween! We have rain in the forecast this week for one day, then we’re warming back up again.
I’m seriously ready for colder weather so I can enjoy my soups and chilis without sweating bullets.
For real.
It was even hotter outside when I made this chili stuffed delicata squash, and yes, I was sweating it out a bit as I ate it.
That didn’t keep me from loving every bite, though! I have told you that I’m a year-round soup and chili eater, so I do have experience eating it when it’s warm out. 🙂
Not only did I have warm chili to eat, but I had the oven on to roast my squash while the chili cooked, which made my house even warmer.
It was a small price to pay.
I think you know what I mean. 🙂 This meal cooks up quickly — about 30 minutes and some change is all you need. The chili stuffed delicata squash roasts up in about 30 minutes, just in time for the chili to be done.
Timing could not be more perfect.
If you’re not too sure how to cut delicata squash, see my post on delicata squash. I also discussed that delicata squash is great because it has an edible skin…which happens to be gorgeous too!
This means your chili is in an edible “bowl”, and you’ve got a few less bowls to wash. 🙂
Delicata squash is sweet and silky, and is a match made in heaven with the bold southwest flavors going on in this turkey chili. That whole sweet & savory thing gets me every time. If it gets you, too, this meal is for you.
And if it’s cold out, even better!
See my post on Delicata Squash for more information and recipe inspiration!
More delicata recipes you’ll love:
- Delicata squash stuffed with quinoa by Kristine’s Kitchen
- Roasted winter squash
- Wild rice salad
Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash
Ingredients
For the squash:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 delicata squash halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- salt and pepper to taste.
For the chili:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 lime juiced
- Top with cheese and extra cilantro optional
Instructions
Prepare the squash:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat the squash with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until soft. Set aside.
Prepare the chili:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 5-8 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and spices and cook 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey and break up with the back of a wooden spoon, stirring to coat with the spice mixture. Cook 5-8 mintues or until no longer pink.
- Add the corn and saute 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the tomato sauce and black beans, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on medium low 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
- Fill the delicata squash with the chili, and serve with optional toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
36 Comments on “Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash”
It’s in the 50s by me right now, so I’m loving all of the soups and chilis that I can get my hands on! This stuffed squash looks just perfect, Marcie! I love the southwest flavors in here. This sounds like such a perfect comfort meal to cozy up with!
Wow! I can’t believe it is so warm there! My sister is in Chico and she text me everyday saying I NEED FALL! haha!
This dish looks like the perfect dish for a Fall night! Even if it is a warm one! haha!
I am so thankful that it’s not 80 degrees here, but at least your fall season will last a bit longer! We might get snowflakes tonight! This sounds like a perfect fall meal! I love it 🙂
Hopefully fall will last longer…lately I don’t feel like we get proper seasons here in CA. Enjoy your cold weather and snowflakes, Melissa!
Great recipe Marcie, perfect for this time of the year! Love squash and I’m always looking for new recipes! Need to try this one 🙂
Thank you, Mira! 🙂
Delicata squash is the best! I love how high this meal is in protein, but how it’s also low-cab 🙂
This is definitely low-carb yet still so satisfying. 🙂 Thanks, Medha!
It’s quote cold here. And this Turkey Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash sounds and looks just perfect for the cooler evenings. Love how vibrant and delish they look.
You’re so lucky to have cooler weather…I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get some soon. Thanks, Anu! 🙂
I know, I’m over the heat too. We need rain so bad and I’m ready for it to pour buckets!
I’m just like you though, I’m not letting it stop me from eating my warm, comforting meals. Delicata is one squash that I rarely eat so I love this idea to stuff it with chili. Sounds so good!
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it will pour buckets soon! Thanks, Sarah! 🙂
Where in NC are you, Marcie? I’m in Pinehurst (Seven Lakes to be exact), and it was FREEZING yesterday! It warmed up today, but it’s been pretty cold around here. I’m sorry its been hot in your area! That stinks! Anyways, I love anything stuffed and I love chili, so this dish is absolutely perfect! LOVE the southwestern flavors of the chili! Honestly, I want to snuggle up on the couch and devour a few of these! Pinned! Cheers, girlfriend – hopefully to cooler weather! <3
I’m actually in CA, Cheyanne, and it sounds like it’s the exact opposite in NC! We’re so drought-stricken it’s horrible…I just want to see some seasons again! 🙂 This is definitely a snuggle-up kind of dinner, perfect for the cold you’ve got. Thanks for the pin! 🙂
It’s perfect soup weather for us right now and all I’ve been craving lately are cozy meals like this. I love that you served this delicious chili stuffed in an edible bowl. It looks so so pretty and I would gladly enjoy some even on a warm night 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! Sounds like you have my ideal weather. 🙂
I just love squash season! And using that as the vehicle for chili?? Um yes please! This sounds fantastic! I hope it cools down by you soon! It was pretty cool here but then today it’s in the 70s – weather can’t make up its mind!
Squash is one of my favorite reasons for loving fall…besides the leaves? 🙂 Thanks, Ashley, and hopefully your weather cooperates, too!
What a great idea! I love food you can eat out of other food. 🙂 Chili and squash sounds like a great combo!
So true — eating food out of other food means more food. And it’s healthy! It doesn’t get much better, really. ?
Mmm it’s nice and chilly here in Seattle and this squash looks like the perfect warm and yummy dinner!
Seattle is usually good for some chilly weather! Thanks, Rachel!
Haha, I can’t imagine that kind of heat! We are supposed to get snow soon! I’ll definitely be curling up with some chili in the near future — this is such a fun idea!
And I can’t imagine that cold! Snow…wow! You’ve got the perfect weather for this chili. ?
We are stuffed delicata squash twins, Marcie! My recipe is set to post tomorrow but we were definitely on the same wavelength with our flavors on this one! 🙂 This turkey-stuffed squash looks so flavorful and healthy!
I am SO ready for some cool weather, too. I did wear boots for the first time today, even though that rain never showed up! Soon?
Yeah, what happened to that rain we were promised? And don’t get me started on the El Niño stuff. ? Sounds like we are on the same page and I can’t wait to see your recipe, Kristine! ?
I’ve never had delicata squash before, but this meal looks and sounds amazing. I’m definitely going to need to look for that kind of squash next time I’m shopping now!
Thank you, Stacy, and I sure hope you give delicata a try! ?
The weather has been kind of crazy here! We’ve had super-cold temps and then this week they suddenly climbed up again. Still cold enough for boots though.
This stuffed squash looks so good, Marcie! I’d definitely eat it when it’s warm out, too 😉
At least you get to wear your boots! I’m still in flip flops and pretty tired of it. 🙂 Thanks you, Nora, and have a great weekend!
I’m totally obsessed with delicata squash now! We roasted it in class the other day and I’m hooked! I seriously need to go buy a TON of them so I can make this stuffed version! LOVE!
Cooking school is where I was exposed to delicata the first time and I was instantly hooked too! Thanks, Sarah, and go get yourself some! 🙂