Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Rice
Savory, cozy, and packed with fall flavors, this Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Rice is a hearty dinner recipe perfect for chilly evenings and holiday meals! Tender roasted acorn squash is filled with flavorful sausage, seasoned rice, and delicious herbs for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- For the Squash:
- 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Acorn Squash : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and flip cut-side up.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and carrot for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic, sage, and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cooked rice, cranberries (if using), and cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Step 3: Stuff the Squash : Spoon the sausage and rice mixture evenly into each roasted squash half. Pack filling slightly to ensure it’s generous but not overflowing.
- Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Squash: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.