Description
A delicious and hearty dish featuring acorn squash stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, quinoa, and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium acorn squashes
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
- While the squashes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the acorn squashes from the oven. Fill each half with the sausage and quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Top each stuffed squash with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed acorn squash half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg