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Here’s a delicious and wholesome recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash — tender roasted squash halves filled with a savory mix of meat, grains, vegetables, herbs, and optional cheese. Perfect as a cozy fall dinner or hearty vegetarian main!
🍂 Stuffed Acorn Squash
Sweet roasted squash meets savory, flavorful filling.
✅ Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Squash:
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2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Filling (Savory Meat & Veggie Version):
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ lb ground sausage or ground turkey/beef
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½ onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 stalk celery, diced (optional)
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1 small apple, peeled and diced (adds a sweet touch)
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1 tsp dried sage or Italian seasoning
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½ cup cooked rice, quinoa, or wild rice
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¼ cup dried cranberries or chopped nuts (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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¼ cup shredded cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar — optional)
🥣 Instructions
1. Roast the Squash
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush cut sides of acorn squash with olive oil, and season with salt & pepper.
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Place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until squash is fork-tender.
2. Prepare the Filling
While squash roasts:
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet.
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Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Add sausage or ground meat and cook until browned.
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Stir in apple, seasonings, and cook 2–3 more minutes.
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Mix in cooked grains, cranberries or nuts, and season to taste.
3. Stuff the Squash
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Flip roasted squash halves over.
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Divide the filling evenly between them, pressing down lightly.
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Sprinkle with cheese, if using.
4. Bake Again
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Return stuffed squash to the oven (cut side up).
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Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave until warmed through
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Freezer: Wrap unbaked stuffed squash halves tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
🌿 Vegetarian/Vegan Option
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Swap meat for lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms
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Use vegan cheese or skip it entirely
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Add chopped kale or spinach to the filling for extra greens
Would you like a sweet cinnamon & maple version, a Thanksgiving-inspired version, or a sheet pan meal prep version next?