There’s something magical about the savory aroma that fills the kitchen when making sausage-stuffed acorn squash. The first time I whipped up this Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe, I was blown away by how easily it brought a touch of cozy fall vibes to the table.
The combination of tender, roasted squash and flavorful sausage stuffing feels like a hug in food form. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a comforting meal to settle into on a chilly evening, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste buds, so it never feels repetitive. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that gives you new reasons to love autumn flavors every time you make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Once you try sausage-stuffed acorn squash, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made it sooner. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your favorites list.
1. Easy to Prepare
You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for this one! The recipe is straightforward with just a few steps. Roast the squash, sauté the filling, and bring it all together for an effortless meal. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want wholesome food but don’t have hours to spare.
2. Versatile and Adaptable
This dish works for a variety of dietary needs. Trying to cut back on carbs? Skip the breadcrumbs. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or lentils. And when the mood strikes to experiment, you can easily tweak the flavors with additional spices or fresh herbs.
3. Nutritious and Filling
Acorn squash is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while sausage adds protein and a satisfying richness. Together, they create a balanced meal that leaves you full and content.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner for the week, this dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. The squash holds its structure beautifully when stored, making reheating a breeze.
5. Bursting with Flavor
The tender, sweet acorn squash pairs perfectly with the savory, seasoned sausage stuffing. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of thyme, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dish that’s all yours.
Cooking Time
Here’s the full breakdown of how long this recipe takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes (halved and seeds removed)
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
Variations
Sometimes you might want to switch things up, and that’s super easy with this recipe!
- Flavor Enhancements: Add cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness, or toss in walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep it dairy-free.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or a mix of wild rice and mushrooms.
Equipment Needed
- Knife – To cut the squash and dice veggies.
- Spoon – Perfect for scooping out seeds.
- Baking Sheet – For roasting the squash.
- Skillet – To sauté sausage and veggies.
How to Make Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash?
This recipe is broken into simple steps so you can follow along easily. Here’s how to bring everything together.
Step 1: Roast the Squash
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and discard them (or save them for roasting later!). Brush the cut sides of each half with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until fork-tender. 🥄✨
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until golden brown, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor! 🍳
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the sausage has cooked, add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the veggies soften and become fragrant. 🌈
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
Stir breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme into the sausage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth to moisten the stuffing. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything comes together in a crumbly but slightly cohesive filling. 🧄🧀
Step 5: Stuff the Squash
Flip the roasted squash halves so the cut side is facing up. Carefully spoon in the sausage filling, gently mounding it on top of each half. Be generous! You want each bite to have a bit of everything. 🥰
Step 6: Bake Again
Pop the stuffed squash back into the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the filling gets a golden, crispy top. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for evenly-sized acorn squashes so they roast at the same rate.
- Don’t Overstuff: While mounding the filling is tempting, avoid overfilling to prevent it from spilling during baking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; seasoning every layer brings the dish together.
- Make It Ahead: You can make the stuffing up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble everything and roast when ready to serve!
How to Serve Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe?
This recipe looks impressive, so lean into that elegance when serving. Place the squash halves on a large platter for family-style dining. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Pair it with a fresh arugula salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional snapshot of each serving of stuffed acorn squash:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
This balance of macronutrients makes it a satisfying and hearty option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing this recipe in advance is easy! The cooked, stuffed acorn squash halves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.
Want to freeze them? Skip the second baking step and freeze the assembled (but uncooked) stuffed squash halves in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a go-to dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall anytime you like! 🍁
Follow this easy video guide:
Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes halved and seeds removed
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and discard them (or save them for roasting later!). Brush the cut sides of each half with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until fork-tender. 🥄✨
- While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until golden brown, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor! 🍳
- Once the sausage has cooked, add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the veggies soften and become fragrant. 🌈
- Stir breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme into the sausage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth to moisten the stuffing. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything comes together in a crumbly but slightly cohesive filling. 🧄🧀
- Flip the roasted squash halves so the cut side is facing up. Carefully spoon in the sausage filling, gently mounding it on top of each half. Be generous! You want each bite to have a bit of everything. 🥰
- Pop the stuffed squash back into the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the filling gets a golden, crispy top. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Notes
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for evenly-sized acorn squashes so they roast at the same rate.
- Don’t Overstuff: While mounding the filling is tempting, avoid overfilling to prevent it from spilling during baking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; seasoning every layer brings the dish together.
- Make It Ahead: You can make the stuffing up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble everything and roast when ready to serve!
