Name: Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 4 small sugar pumpkins; 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (Essential for that flavor kick; adjust to your taste preferences.); 1 cup diced carrots (Adds both sweetness and vibrant color; parsnips make for a great substitute if you like.); 1 cup diced yellow onion (Enhances the savory base and aroma; shallots can lend a milder touch.); ½ cup diced celery (Gives a lovely crunch and flavor depth; consider green bell pepper as an alternative.); 1 pound ground turkey (The heart of the filling, providing lean protein; chicken or plant-based meats can be great alternatives.); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (Richness in every bite; ghee can replace this for a dairy-free option.); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (Infuses an earthy fragrance; thyme or rosemary can offer a delightful twist.); 3½ cups ½” cubes of stale French baguette; 1½ cups chicken stock (Moistens the stuffing to avoid dryness; vegetable broth can create a vegetarian version.); 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (Adds creaminess and depth; feel free to experiment with mozzarella or cheddar as substitutes.)

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As I wandered through the vibrant autumn market, my senses were awakened by the aroma of spice and the vivid hues of seasonal produce. That’s when I spotted small sugar pumpkins, perfect for my latest creation: Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings an elegant touch to any table, making it an ideal main dish for fall gatherings. It’s all about comfort food that’s flexible, allowing you to swap in your favorite meats or even try different squashes for a fun twist. With minimal prep time and an impressive presentation, these stuffed pumpkins are sure to impress family and friends alike. So, are you ready to transform your fall meals with this delightful recipe?

Why will you love stuffed pumpkins?

Comforting and heartwarming, this dish captures the essence of fall in every bite. Versatile ingredients let you customize it with your favorite meats or alternative squashes. Impressive presentation makes it a showstopper for festive gatherings. Minimal prep time means less hassle and more time to enjoy with loved ones. Plus, it’s a delightful way to serve your veggies while indulging in delicious flavors! If you’re looking for more cozy dishes, check out my Ground Beef Spinach skillet or Turkish Stuffed Peppers for added inspiration.

Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins Ingredients

For the Pumpkins

4 small sugar pumpkins – The perfect natural bowl, offering sweetness and earthiness; you can swap in acorn squash for something different.
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – For roasting and sautéing; this ingredient provides healthy fats and enhances the flavor—avocado oil also works well.

For the Stuffing

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper – Essential for that flavor kick; adjust to your taste preferences.
1 cup diced carrots – Adds both sweetness and vibrant color; parsnips make for a great substitute if you like.
1 cup diced yellow onion – Enhances the savory base and aroma; shallots can lend a milder touch.
½ cup diced celery – Gives a lovely crunch and flavor depth; consider green bell pepper as an alternative.
1 pound ground turkey – The heart of the filling, providing lean protein; chicken or plant-based meats can be great alternatives.

For the Flavor

3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Richness in every bite; ghee can replace this for a dairy-free option.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage – Infuses an earthy fragrance; thyme or rosemary can offer a delightful twist.

For the Filling

3½ cups ½” cubes of stale French baguette – Gives the stuffing structure; using stale bread or toasting fresh bread ensures the best texture.
1½ cups chicken stock – Moistens the stuffing to avoid dryness; vegetable broth can create a vegetarian version.
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese – Adds creaminess and depth; feel free to experiment with mozzarella or cheddar as substitutes.

These Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins will surely be the talking point every time!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly roasted exterior on your sugar pumpkins. While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and prepare it for the upcoming pumpkins—it will be their cozy resting place while they roast.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkins
Carefully slice the tops off each small sugar pumpkin, creating a lid. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy insides, leaving a hollow cavity. Rub the outer skin with olive oil and season the inside with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of your Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins.

Step 3: Roast the Pumpkins
Arrange the prepared pumpkins, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Slide them into the preheated oven and roast for about 35 minutes, or until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on their color; they should turn a lovely golden hue, signaling their readiness.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pumpkins are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, yellow onion, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and fragrant. This colorful mix will form the delicious foundation for your stuffing.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Turkey
Next, add the pound of ground turkey to the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Once the turkey is browned and fully cooked, transfer this flavorful mixture into a mixing bowl and set it aside.

Step 6: Make the Sage Butter
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the chopped fresh sage and let it cook for approximately 4 minutes, until the sage becomes fragrant and the butter turns a light golden brown. This brown butter-sage blend will elevate your ground turkey filling immensely.

Step 7: Combine the Filling
Pour the sage butter into the bowl with the ground turkey mixture. Add in the chicken stock and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese, mixing everything thoroughly until the stale baguette cubes are evenly moistened. The stuffing should be well-combined but not overly wet, ensuring a beautiful texture for your Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins.

Step 8: Stuff the Pumpkins
Once your pumpkins have roasted and softened, it’s time to fill them. Pack the turkey filling generously into each pumpkin, mounding it slightly on top. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the stuffed pumpkins to create a bubbly, cheesy topping that will melt to golden perfection during the next bake.

Step 9: Bake Again
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C), then place the stuffed pumpkins back on the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and get bubbly. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is golden brown and the pumpkins are fragrant and tender.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the stuffed pumpkins from the oven, letting them cool for a moment. Serve immediately with the tops propped alongside for an impressive presentation. Each bite of Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins will be a warm embrace of fall flavors, sure to delight your family and friends.

Make Ahead Options

These Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy comforting flavors with minimal effort during your busy week. You can prepare the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, stuff the cooked pumpkins and sprinkle with cheese, then bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This method ensures that your dinner is just as delicious, saving you valuable time while allowing you to impress your family with this delightful autumn dish!

Storage Tips for Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins

Fridge: Store unbaked stuffed pumpkins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. This allows flavors to meld while keeping them fresh.

Freezer: For longer storage, tightly wrap unbaked stuffed pumpkins in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for best results.

Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat the baked stuffed pumpkins in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy the comfort of your Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins again!

What to Serve with Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins

Embrace the flavors of fall by creating a lovely spread that perfectly complements your savory stuffed pumpkins.

Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the rich flavors of the stuffed pumpkin.
Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds crispness and brightens the meal, making each bite feel light.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky mashed potatoes bring a comforting texture, soaking up any extra juices from the pumpkins for a hearty side.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots enhance the seasonal feel; their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory stuffing.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized and slightly crispy, these sprouts add depth and crunch, creating a delightful textural contrast to your pumpkins.
Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider, with its spices, echoes the flavors in the dish and adds a cozy touch to your meal.
Pumpkin Pie: End on a sweet note with a slice of classic pumpkin pie; it’s the ultimate autumn dessert, making this dinner truly festive.

Expert Tips for Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins

Sitting Time: Allow the stuffing to sit for 5–10 minutes before filling the pumpkins. This helps absorb moisture without making it soggy.
Moisture Control: Ensure the stuffing isn’t overly wet. Adjust chicken stock based on the bread’s dryness to avoid a mushy filling.
Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing in advance and store it in the fridge. Roast the pumpkins just before serving for a fresh, warm dish.
Pumpkin Choice: For different flavors, try using acorn or butternut squash instead of sugar pumpkins. Each adds its unique touch to the meal.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with cheeses! Mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese can create delightful alternative flavors in your Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins.

Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize your stuffed pumpkins to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Different Meats: Try substituting ground turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat for a delicious twist. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture that will change up the dish entirely.
Alternative Squash: Switch out sugar pumpkins for acorn or butternut squash. Both variations offer different sweetness levels and interesting textures, making every bite a new experience.
Vegetable Swap: If you’re not a fan of carrots, swap them for parsnips or sweet potatoes. You’ll maintain the satisfying sweetness while adding a unique flair to the stuffing.
Herb Variation: Experiment with herbs! While sage brings a warm, earthy flavor, thyme or rosemary can elevate your stuffing with fresh, aromatic notes.
Cheese Choice: Mix it up by using feta or goat cheese in place of Gruyère. This substitution lends a tangy flavor that complements the savory stuffing beautifully.
Nutty Addition: For added texture, mix in toasted walnuts or pecans with the stuffing. This not only enhances the mouthfeel but also introduces a delightful crunch.
Spice It Up: If you crave a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture. It’s a wonderful way to awaken those taste buds!
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of baguette cubes for the stuffing, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without compromise.

These variations will surely make your Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins a versatile favorite. For more inspired meals, don’t miss trying my delicious Gooey Butter Pecan or flavorful Double Chocolate Peanut Butter recipes!

Ground Turkey & Brown Butter Sage Stuffed Pumpkins Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkins should I use?
Absolutely! Small sugar pumpkins are perfect for this recipe, as they provide a sweet and earthy flavor. However, you can also use acorn squash or butternut squash to create unique taste experiences while maintaining the dish’s essence.

How do I store leftover stuffed pumpkins?
For sure! You can keep unbaked stuffed pumpkins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you wish to store them for longer, tightly wrap them in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking for optimal results.

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Very much so! I often prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and fill the pumpkins just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a smooth cooking process on the day you intend to serve. It’s a time-saver that ensures your stuffing hits all the right notes straight from the oven!

What if my stuffing is too dry?
Oh, I’ve been there! If you find your stuffing is too dry, you can easily add a bit more chicken stock to moisten it. Just measure out a few tablespoons, mixing it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the bread will absorb some moisture during cooking, so adjust accordingly before stuffing the pumpkins.

How do I reheat leftover stuffed pumpkins?
Absolutely, it’s simple! To reheat baked stuffed pumpkins, place them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps them cozy while restoring that delightful buttery, cheesy goodness that makes them so comforting.

Are these pumpkins safe for pets?
Indeed! While cooked pumpkin is safe for humans and can be a healthy treat for pets (like dogs), make sure there are no added ingredients like cheese, onions, or garlic before sharing with furry friends. Stick to plain cooked pumpkin to ensure it’s pet-friendly!