Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach

Looking for a hearty, comforting, and healthy meal that brings all the cozy fall vibes to your dinner table? This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach is a wholesome, flavor-packed recipe that combines roasted butternut squash with a savory turkey sausage and spinach filling. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins for a well-balanced meal.
• Comfort Food Made Healthy – All the flavors of classic comfort food, minus the guilt.
• Naturally Gluten-Free – No special swaps needed.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner later in the week.
• Great for Entertaining – Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for a family meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Turkey Sausage Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey sausage
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional, for added texture)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese alternative)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• Large baking sheet
• Sharp knife and spoon for scooping squash
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for stuffing squash

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drizzle the halved butternut squash with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Sausage Filling

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
5. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.
6. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice if using.
8. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Squash

1. Carefully scoop out a bit of the roasted squash flesh to create a shallow cavity for the filling. (You can mix the scooped squash into the filling if desired.)
2. Spoon the turkey sausage filling into each squash half, pressing it in to pack generously.
3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.

Step 4: Bake Again

1. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve hot and enjoy as a full meal.

Tips for Success

• Use Pre-Cut Squash – To save time, buy pre-halved butternut squash at the store.
• Don’t Skip Roasting Cut-Side Down – This ensures even cooking and helps caramelize the edges.
• Add More Greens – Kale or Swiss chard also work well in the filling.
• Customize the Cheese – Goat cheese or feta can add a tangy twist to the filling.
• Make it Vegan – Swap turkey sausage for a plant-based crumble and use dairy-free cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Crisp Green Salad – A side of arugula or mixed greens with vinaigrette complements the richness.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a crunchy bite to contrast the tender squash.
• Roasted Veggies – Serve with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a full feast.
• Apple Cider or Iced Tea – A refreshing beverage balances the savory flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Let leftovers cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual stuffed halves tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, covered, until warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of squash?
   Yes, sweet potatoes can be halved and stuffed similarly. Adjust baking time as needed.
2. What’s the best turkey sausage to use?
   Choose a lean, mild or spicy ground turkey sausage without casing for easy cooking.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the filling and roast the squash in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
4. Is there a low-carb alternative to quinoa or rice?
   Cauliflower rice works great for a low-carb option and blends well with the filling.
5. What’s a good dairy-free cheese alternative?
   Try almond-based mozzarella shreds or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach is the perfect fusion of healthy comfort food and crowd-pleasing flavor. The tender, sweet squash pairs beautifully with the savory turkey filling, and the cheese brings it all together. It’s an ideal dish for cozy nights, festive tables, or nutritious weekly meal prep.

Give it a try and share your experience below! I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 480mg

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