Under 10 ingredients yet super flavorful, this sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash is a great family dinner.
I was visiting a friend last week who has a young baby, only about 8 weeks old. It was crazy to see how big my son looked compared to her – I already forgot how tiny babies are at the start. Devon loved hanging out with her, including giving her kisses on the feet and then clapping in celebration that he’d shown her some love.
Visiting my friend also reminded me just how consuming those first few months can be with the baby. You know – figuring out when to cook, workout, get to the store, and all the other normal life things that need to happen.
The thoughts about cooking reminded me of this dish that we made a lot over the past 10 months since Devon was born: sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash. This has been one of my go-to dishes for several reasons:
- We got a ton of acorn squash in our CSA last fall.
- This meal fit my dietary restrictions for nursing a baby with MSPI (milk soy protein intolerance).
- There are only 7 ingredients (plus salt & pepper), and while the cook time is somewhat long, the active prep time is short.
- Once Devon started eating solids, we figured out that he loved all kinds of squash, so he’s a fan of this dish too.
I actually totally forgot that I had photographed it a few months ago in preparation to post on the blog and then it slipped my mind! I’m glad I have this to share because I think it’s a great go-to dish for busy nights. Apple and sausage stuffed squash is easy to make, relatively healthy, and tastes delicious using a minimal number of ingredients.
You can also change it up a bit according to your liking – for example, using ground turkey rather than Italian sausage to make it a bit leaner, or using quinoa instead of brown rice.
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided into 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp)
- 3 acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (alternative: ground turkey)
- 1 cup dry instant brown rice, cooked according to package directions (alternative: quinoa)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Cut acorn squash in half, remove seeds, and drizzle lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Place face down in a casserole dish. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until fork tender.
- When squash has about 15 minutes remaining, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add celery, onion, apples, and sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables/fruits are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
- Meanwhile, cook instant brown rice separately according to package directions.
- Mix celery/onion/apple/sausage mixture with cooked brown rice. Remove acorn squash from the oven and stuff each with filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste (though I find it typically doesn't need any). Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Share with me: What are some of your favorite meals to make when you need something easy to make with minimal ingredients? Have you ever tried sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash?
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I just printed and pinned this recipe. It looks so darn pretty. I must confess: I still don’t serve or eat enough veggies around here. That’s great that you son eats and enjoy the healthy foods you serve. Thank you for sharing your recipes!!
Thanks Diane! It’s taken a few years for me to feel like I’m serving enough veggies throughout the day. I tend to like one pot or easy meals that mix them into the dish so I don’t have to make ’em separately.
You are SO creative!!! I am pinning this to try VERY soon!
Yay, hope you enjoy it Rachel!
i want this for breakfast right now! baked potatoes with chili on top is one of my favorite easy meals!
Oooh, baked potatoes with chili is definitely a favorite quick and easy meal of mine too. I think that might have to go in my meal plan this month.
Those look so pretty! I love stuffed squash and make a veggie version. My husband might like the sausage version. Have a great weekend
I’d love to hear what you put in your veggie version – that sounds like a great new way for me to try out soon.
I haven’t had acorn squash in so long! Thanks for the reminder and the delicious recipe! I love making desserts with minimal ingredients – especially chocolate things with nut butter 🙂
Is there anything better than chocolate and nut butter? Seriously, sometimes I just sit there with a little bowl of dark chocolate chips, a jar of natural peanut butter, and a big spoon….yummmm.
i love squash of any type, but have never stuffed it. what a yummy idea for a complete dinner in it’s own shell.
Thanks Laura!! I hope you give it a try and then let me know if you liked it! 🙂
What a great idea! I love edible BOWLS and acorn squash is one of my faves!
Bowls are so awesome – so many delicious ingredients all in one spot!
What a pretty dish too. Saving to try later. I love that it is easy!! A plus for sure! Thanks 🙂
Thanks Tricia 🙂 I hope you enjoy it.
I don’t think I’ve ever tried acorn squash…but this looks delish!! Another great way to get a new vegetable into my house 😉
A few years ago we kept getting different types in our CSA so it kind of forced me (in a good way!) to experiment with them. Acorn is one of our favs because you can stuff it, eat it plain, or make it into soups.
My squash loving husband would love this! Pinning…
Awesome – hope he gives it two squash loving thumbs up!
This looks so good!! I love acorn squash!!! YUM.
Isn’t acorn squash so good?! We are also big fans of delicata squash – roasted with a little brown sugar, it’s like dessert.
Oh my goodness! This looks so yummy 🙂
Thanks Rachel! I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know how you liked it 🙂