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Cozy Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage & Cranberries

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This cozy stuffed acorn squash with sausage and cranberries is the perfect autumn comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and full of sweet squash, savory sausage, tart cranberries, and earthy herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or extra sage leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Cut each acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out seeds and stringy bits.
  3. Brush cut sides and cavities with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on baking dish. Roast for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. While squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Italian sausage, breaking it up, until browned (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, leaving drippings.
  5. Add diced onion to skillet, cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add diced apple, cook 2 minutes. Add garlic, sage, and thyme, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return sausage to skillet. Add cranberries, cooked quinoa or rice, and chicken broth. Stir and simmer 2-3 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up. Divide filling evenly among halves, mounding slightly.
  8. Return stuffed squash to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until filling is heated through and tops are golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or sage leaves if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the squash roasting; it develops sweetness. Use your hands to mix filling for even distribution. Watch the salt as sausage can be salty. Make extra filling for leftovers. If squash isn’t tender after roasting, give it more time.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, sausage, cranberries, fall recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/cozy-stuffed-acorn-squash-with-sausage-and-cranberries-2/