Print

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

4.8 from 5 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of ground sausage, quinoa, spinach, onions, garlic, and cheese. Perfect as a comforting fall or winter main dish, this recipe balances nutritious ingredients with delicious seasonings for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash

  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Filling

  • 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup feta or Parmesan cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to create a hollow cavity for stuffing.
  2. Season and roast squash: Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the flesh is tender but still intact.
  3. Sauté vegetables and sausage: While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add the ground sausage, cooking thoroughly until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Add garlic and spinach: Stir in minced garlic and fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach). Cook until the spinach wilts and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine filling ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked quinoa and half of the crumbled cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
  6. Fill squash halves: Spoon the sausage and quinoa mixture evenly into each roasted acorn squash half. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a delicious cheesy finish.
  7. Final bake: Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the sausage to vary protein options.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
  • If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
  • Quinoa can be replaced with cooked rice or couscous if preferred.
  • This meal pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed Acorn Squash, Acorn squash recipe, Sausage stuffed squash, Autumn dinner, Healthy squash recipe, Quinoa stuffed squash