Name: Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; 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; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Drizzle the halved butternut squash with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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

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

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Squash

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.)
Spoon the turkey sausage filling into each squash half, pressing it in to pack generously.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.

Step 4: Bake Again

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

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American