Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

4 servings
You need just 10 ingredients to make this delicious Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash! Perfectly roasted squash is filled with Italian sausage, colourful vegetables and topped with parmesan. It's a nourishing meal that's quick enough for weeknights!

Ingredients

  • acorn squash
    2 medium
  • olive oil

    plus more for brushing onto the squash

    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    small dice

    1
  • red bell pepper

    small dice

    1
  • stalks celery

    small dice

    2
  • salt and pepper
  • chopped fresh thyme

    or half a teaspoon dried

    1 tsp
  • garlic

    minced

    3 cloves
  • mild or hot italian sausage

    casings removed

    1 lb
  • baby spinach or kale
    1 ¾ c
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese

    divided

    ¾ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 °F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of the squash so it can sit upright, then slice the acorn squash in half width-wise (not through the stem). This will result in a pretty scalloped edge. Scrape out the seeds.

  3. 3

    Place the squash halves on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Turn upside down (seed side down) and roast for 25 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, make the filling. Over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until onion is softened and turning translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Stir in the chopped fresh thyme, then add the minced garlic and sausage. Continue to sauté for another 8 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked.

  6. 6

    Place the torn kale on top of the sausage mixture and cover the skillet to steam for 1-2 minutes. Stir and re-cover to continue steaming the kale, if necessary. Once the kale is wilted, stir in half the parmesan cheese and remove the pan from heat.

  7. 7

    Once the squash is done roasting, remove them from the oven and turn the heat up to broil. Flip the squash bowl side up and divide the filling evenly among them (pile it high, they'll be overfull), then sprinkle on the remaining the parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, making sure not to over-brown the squash. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Eat within 4 days.

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

45 min4 servings552 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings but won't keep you in the kitchen all night? This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash delivers delicious, nourishing flavor with minimal effort, ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Why This Recipe Works

With just 10 simple ingredients, this recipe transforms humble acorn squash into a complete, hearty meal. Roasting the squash creates a naturally sweet and tender base, perfectly complementing the savory, herb-infused Italian sausage and vibrant, colorful vegetables. The Parmesan topping adds a delightful, salty finish.

What to Expect

You can expect a truly satisfying main course that balances sweet and savory notes beautifully. The tender, caramelized acorn squash provides a comforting foundation, cradling a rich, hearty filling of seasoned Italian sausage, bright bell pepper, and crisp celery, all brought together with fresh thyme and garlicky goodness. A generous topping of nutty Parmesan cheese adds a final layer of robust flavor and a golden finish to this nourishing dish.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to customize this stuffed acorn squash to your liking. If you prefer a bit of heat, opt for hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also swap out the baby spinach for kale to change up the greens in the filling, adding a slightly more robust texture and earthy flavor.

Serving & Context

This Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a complete meal on its own, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend supper. Serve it as a hearty main course that requires little else alongside to feel truly satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions