Stuffed Acorn Squash is stuffed full with as much goodness as we could possibly cram into one recipe. This healthy but flavorful Fall dish is filled with savory sausage, good for you vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices to tantalize your tastebuds. It’s low in calories but so hearty, super filling and sure to keep you satisfied. This recipe makes A LOT so round up the troops, gather at the table, and prepare yourself for the ultimate feel good Fall dinner.
Here’s all you’ll need: acorn squash, grape tomatoes, turkey sausage, mushrooms, apple, onion, fennel seeds, caraway seeds, sage, spinach, thyme, salt, pepper, fresh mozzarella, and red wine vinegar.
Let’s get started! First, using a sharp knife, cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard. It reminds me of cleaning out a pumpkin before carving. Next carve out a thin slice from the bottom of each acorn squash which will allow them to lie flat. Be careful not to slice too deep otherwise you’ll leave a hole.
Next cut the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise. Place the squash hollow side down in a shallow roasting pan or baking sheet. Surround with the tomatoes. Then add 1/4″ of hot water. Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes.
While the squash bakes we can get started on that delicious sausage stuffing. Add the sausage, mushrooms, chopped apples and onion to a large skillet. Sprinkle with fennel seeds, caraway seeds, and sage leaves. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes), breaking apart the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is cooked, drain and discard any excess grease from the pan.
We used turkey sausage to keep this recipe on the lighter side. Of course you can substitute for chicken, pork, or even venison sausage to better suite your tastes or to use up any supplies you may already have on hand.
Carefully remove the squash from the baking pan. Kitchen gloves or a spatula are a must for this step. They will be hot!! Drain the water, reserving the tomatoes. Return the squash to baking pan this time hollow side up.
Next add the spinach, thyme, salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted. Remove the the skillet from the heat, then stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and red wine vinegar. Spoon the sausage mixture into the acorn squash in a heaping mound.
Return the stuffed acorn squash to the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork. Check that out! So delish and just bursting with flavor. Mmmm mmmm!! Be sure to try our Apple Squash Soup and Honey Squash Dinner Rolls too.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 4 medium acorn squash (about 1-1/2 pounds each)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fennel seed
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, halved
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Directions
- Step 1 Using a sharp knife, cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard. Carve out a thin slice from the bottom of each acorn squash which will allow them to lie flat.
- Step 2 Cut the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise. Place the squash hollow side down in a shallow roasting pan or baking sheet. Surround with the tomatoes. Add 1/4″ of hot water. Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Step 3 Meanwhile add the sausage, mushrooms, chopped apples and onion to a large skillet. Sprinkle with fennel seeds, caraway seeds, and sage leaves. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes), breaking apart the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 4 Carefully remove the squash from the baking pan. Drain the water, reserving the tomatoes. Return the squash to baking pan this time hollow side up.
- Step 5 Add the spinach, thyme, salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted. Remove the the skillet from the heat, and stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and red wine vinegar. Spoon the sausage mixture into the acorn squash cavities to fill.
- Step 6 Bake at 400 degrees for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork. Enjoy!
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