Name: Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 acorn squash; ½ pound ground chicken or turkey sausage; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ large onion (diced); 3 cups kale (cleaned and chopped); 1 tablespoon garlic (minced); 2 stalks celery (chopped); ½ large apple (chopped); ½ teaspoon fresh minced thyme; 2 sage leaves (minced); 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

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If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table, then you’ve come to the right place! This Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not just delicious; it’s a colorful dish that makes any occasion feel special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone around the table.

What I love most about this dish is how each bite combines sweet and savory flavors. The acorn squash becomes a tender canvas for hearty Italian sausage, fresh apple slices, and vibrant kale, all topped off with tangy feta cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.
Nutritious and filling: Packed with veggies and protein, this dish keeps you full while still being healthy—great for post-holiday meals or light dinners.
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these cute squash halves filled with tasty goodness!
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the squash just before baking, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Flavorful and colorful: The combination of ingredients not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on your plate, making every meal feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! In this recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash, we use simple and wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

2 acorn squash
½ pound ground Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large onion (diced)
3 cups kale (cleaned and chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
½ large apple (chopped)
½ teaspoon fresh minced thyme
2 sage leaves (minced)
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! If you want to change things up or accommodate different dietary needs, here are some fun variations you can try:

Swap the protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option that still packs a punch.
Add different veggies: Try using spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini instead of kale to mix up the flavors.
Change the cheese: Feta adds a nice tang, but goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella would also work beautifully.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage altogether and load up on more vegetables or cooked quinoa for a hearty meatless version.

How to Make Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, slice the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. This step is essential because it prepares them for roasting later on! Lining your cookie sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy too.

Step 2: Bake the Squash

Place the squash cut side down on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake it in the oven for about 20 minutes until it’s fork-tender. This initial roasting softens the squash so it can hold all that delicious filling later!

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

While your squash is baking away, heat up a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add in your ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Removing it from the pan helps avoid overcooking while still keeping those lovely flavors present.

Step 4: Sauté Veggies

In that same skillet, add olive oil followed by diced onions. Sauté them until softened—about 4-5 minutes should do! Then toss in kale, garlic, celery, apples, and herbs. Cooking them together allows all those wonderful flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine Filling

When everything is cooked down nicely, return the sausage back into the skillet. Make sure to taste your filling now—this is when you can adjust seasoning if needed!

Step 6: Prepare Squash for Filling

After baking, take out your squash and scoop out some flesh from each half. Chop it up and mix it into your filling mixture; this adds even more flavor while ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Step 7: Stuff & Bake Again

Now comes the fun part! Fill each squash half generously with your savory mixture until they are heaping full. Place them back into the oven for another 15 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 8: Top It Off!

Finally, sprinkle each stuffed squash with crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts before giving them an additional five minutes in the oven. This creates a lovely golden crust that everyone will love! Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Creating the perfect Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Choose ripe squash: Opt for acorn squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep green color. This ensures a sweeter taste and better texture.
Don’t rush the cooking: Allow the squash to bake until it’s fork-tender before filling. This enhances both flavor and texture, making each bite irresistible.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Before filling the squash, taste the mixture. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your preferences.
Experiment with fillings: While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can swap in other veggies or grains like quinoa or farro for added nutrition and variety.
Make it ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. You can stuff the squash just before baking, making weeknight meals even easier!

How to Serve Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Presentation goes a long way when serving this colorful dish! Here are some ideas on how to make your Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the stuffed squash just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Balsamic glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the squash and apple.

Side Dishes

Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch that balances the hearty stuffed squash.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy vegetables are easy to prepare alongside your squash, bringing an earthy flavor that pairs well with the dish.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and warmth, making them an excellent side for any fall meal.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans sautéed with a bit of garlic maintain their crispness while adding color and additional nutrients to your plate.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, hearty dish throughout the week. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delightful when enjoyed as leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stuffed squash to cool completely at room temperature.
Place leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the stuffed squash cool completely before freezing.
Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped squash in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen squash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this tasty recipe!

How do I make Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash vegan?

To create a vegan version of Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash, simply substitute the ground sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also replace feta cheese with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Can I use other types of squash instead of acorn?

Yes! While acorn squash works beautifully in this recipe, you can use butternut squash or even delicata squash as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the size and type of squash used.

What can I serve with Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash?

Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even quinoa. It makes an excellent centerpiece for any fall gathering or holiday meal!

How long does it take to cook Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash?

The total cook time for Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash is approximately 55 minutes—20 minutes for baking the squash and an additional 35 minutes for preparing and baking the filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s packed with flavor and nutrition that everyone will love. Enjoy making this dish, whether for a cozy dinner or as part of your meal prep routine. Feel free to share your results—I would love to hear how yours turned out! Happy cooking!

Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the flavors of home cooking with this delightful Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash. This cozy dish combines the sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a savory filling made from ground Italian sausage, fresh apples, and vibrant kale, all topped with tangy feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, it’s not only visually appealing but also packs a nutritious punch that leaves everyone satisfied. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress with its harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 acorn squash
½ pound ground chicken or turkey sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large onion (diced)
3 cups kale (cleaned and chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
½ large apple (chopped)
½ teaspoon fresh minced thyme
2 sage leaves (minced)
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice acorn squash in half and remove seeds, then place cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 20 minutes until fork-tender.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken or turkey sausage. Remove from pan once fully cooked.
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté diced onion until softened. Add kale, garlic, celery, apple, and herbs; cook until tender.
Combine cooked sausage back into the skillet mixture and taste for seasoning adjustments.
After baking squash, scoop out some flesh and mix it into the filling.
Generously stuff each squash half with the filling and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Top with feta cheese and chopped nuts; bake for an additional five minutes.