Savory Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Acorn Squash
Delight in the warm flavors of this Savory Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Acorn Squash. Each tender acorn squash half is filled with a hearty blend of spicy bulk sausage, spinach, and tangy dried cranberries, all combined with seasoned stuffing for a satisfying one-dish meal. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare without compromising on flavor. Enjoy the comforting and wholesome goodness of fall in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
2 (medium, halved and seeded)
spicy bulk sausage
1 lb (raw)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
2 tablespoons (whole or any preferred type)
fresh Baby Spinach
1 cup (finely chopped)
herb seasoned stuffing mix
1 1/2 cups (crushed)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat the microwave and gather all your ingredients.
2
Cut the acorn squash in half, removing the seeds and stringy bits from the inside with a spoon.
3
Place the squash halves cut side down in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
4
Microwave the squash on high for 10-12 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Carefully remove and set aside.
5
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy bulk sausage and chopped onion until the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
6
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg and milk until well combined. Stir in the finely chopped spinach, crushed herb-seasoned stuffing mix, dried cranberries, and the cooked sausage mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
7
Take the cooked acorn squash halves and carefully flip them over to cut side up. Generously stuff each half with the sausage-spinach mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
8
Cover the stuffed squash with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Microwave the squash for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the stuffing is heated through and set.
9
Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed acorn squash!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring acorn squash halves filled with a blend of spicy sausage, spinach, dried cranberries, and seasoned stuffing.
How many acorn squashes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 medium acorn squashes, which are then halved and seeded.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spicy bulk sausage.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for cooking?
Cut the squash in half and use a spoon to remove the seeds and stringy bits from the inside.
Is this recipe cooked in the oven?
No, this is a quick microwave-based recipe designed for fast preparation.
How long should I microwave the squash initially?
Microwave the halves cut-side down for 10-12 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
How do I know the squash is fully cooked?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What ingredients are used in the stuffing mixture?
The mixture includes cooked sausage, onion, egg, milk, baby spinach, herb-seasoned stuffing mix, and dried cranberries.
Do I need to cook the sausage before stuffing it?
Yes, cook the spicy sausage and chopped onion in a skillet until the meat is no longer pink.
Should I drain the sausage fat?
Yes, drain any excess fat from the skillet after cooking the sausage and onions.
What kind of spinach should I use?
Use 1 cup of fresh baby spinach that has been finely chopped.
What is the purpose of the egg and milk?
The egg and milk are beaten together to serve as a binder for the stuffing ingredients.
Can I use any type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk or any preferred type of milk.
How much onion is required for the filling?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What kind of stuffing mix is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of crushed herb-seasoned stuffing mix.
Are there any fruits in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of whole dried cranberries are included for a tangy flavor.
How do I assemble the stuffed squash?
Flip the cooked squash cut-side up and generously pack them with the sausage and spinach mixture.
How long is the final cooking time once stuffed?
Microwave the stuffed squash for an additional 2-3 minutes until the stuffing is set.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is ideal for busy nights as it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include fall recipes, quick meals, one dish meal, and stuffed squash.
How should I vent the microwave dish?
Leave a small vent for steam to escape when covering the dish with a lid or plastic wrap.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While acorn squash is specified, similar small squashes could work, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a bit of heat from the spicy bulk sausage, but this can be adjusted by using mild sausage.
How should the squash be placed in the microwave initially?
Place the squash halves cut side down in a microwave-safe dish for the first stage of cooking.
Do I need to beat the egg?
Yes, beat the egg and milk together before stirring in the other stuffing components.
Is the spinach cooked in the skillet?
No, the chopped spinach is stirred directly into the mixing bowl with the other stuffing ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Using 2 medium squashes provides 4 stuffed halves, typically serving 2 to 4 people.
What texture should the stuffing have?
The stuffing should be well combined and packed slightly into the squash before heating until set.
Can I make this for a cozy dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for cozy family dinners and wholesome fall eating.
How long should the dish cool before eating?
Let the stuffed squash cool for a couple of minutes before serving to ensure it is easy to handle.