Home American Eggplant and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Eggplant and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Susie Guarino

February 3, 2024

375

4.8 from 4 votes

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Weeknight meal ideas? Try our Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash with Eggplant, Tomato, & Mozzarella: An Easy, Hearty and Healthy Weeknight Meal.

Chase away the winter chill with a feast for the senses. Picture halved stuffed acorn squash, their golden flesh cradling a mixture of smoky sausage with the earthy sweetness of roasted eggplant and creamy mozzarella. Each nestled in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce and topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Every comforting forkful is a blissful marriage of textures and flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

Is Acorn Squash Good for my Health?

Acorn squash is one of those vegetables that most will just pass by in the produce aisle. Big mistake! This winter squash isn’t too sweet, nor is it plain. The flavor and texture are a terrific base for many healthy meals. It is simple to prepare and the best part; it is loaded with health benefits.

Stuffed acorn squash are comforting and inexpensive to make. They are low in fat and calories, yet loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown they help fight heart disease along with promoting eye and skin health. These funny looking things are quite good for you and can be part of your regular rotation of simple, inexpensive and healthy meals for your family.

What does Acorn Squash Taste Like?

These squash have been part of the diet in America for thousands of years. Unfortunately, many people avoid winter squash because they feel it is too sweet. That generalization usually comes from an experience with butternut squash which has a very sweet flavor. Our children fit this description. Acorn squash possesses a slightly sweet, yet savory flavor with a creamy texture while exhibiting a vibrant and appetizing color. They are extremely versatile, being able to serve as a side, main dish, or even dessert. We plan to make these when the kids are over and are confidant they will add these to their dinner rotation.

Stuff Acorn Squash with Sausage or Ground Turkey?

We have seen and tried recipes made with stuffing using ground turkey and beef. We prefer using Italian sausage, on account of the added flavor this adds to the dish. This product from Whole Foods is organic and works well with this recipe. Ground turkey and beef, unless highly seasoned just don’t add that extra something to the stuffing.

Is this Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe Vegan or Vegetarian?

Not as we present it on account of the sausage and cheese. However, if you are vegetarian, this recipe can easily be converted to suit your dietary preference. Simply substitute the sausage for a plant based sausage product. To make this vegan friendly it will be necessary to eliminate the cheese and substitute with a vegan cheese or replacement of your preference.

Can I stuff my acorn squash with rice or quinoa?

Yes, you can absolutely add rice or quinoa to your stuffed acorn squash. However, our recipe is focused on being low carb, low fat and low calorie. This recipe is crafted to hold its shape without the need for rice or quinoa as a binder. We wanted the emphasis to be on the inherent flavor and texture of the squash and filling ingredients. But feel free to experiment if you wish. If you do add rice, we suggest doubling the amount of tomato sauce.

How to Make our Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

This recipe is a nutritious, inexpensive and simple meal to prepare any day of the week. Begin by preheating the oven or air fryer/toaster oven to 425F. This Cuisinart model works well and looks great. Look in the equipment section below or use this link to view other options that may work better for your kitchen. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Coat the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper flesh side down and bake 30-35 minutes until almost tender.

While the squash is baking, cut the eggplant into small cubes and sprinkle with salt. Click this link to shop knife sets or select the set we use to the right and below in the equipment section.

Let the eggplant rest for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. While the eggplant rests, cut up the sausage or remove from casing and crumble. Place sausage in a pan with olive oil and brown. When brown, remove and set aside.

Pat down eggplant with a paper towel to remove excess water. Add olive oil to heated pan and sauté the onions and eggplant. Allow the eggplant to brown. If you feel it begin stick add additional olive oil. When browned add garlic, pepper flakes and oregano. Combine and cook for about a minute.

Add the cooked sausage and tomato sauce to the mixture. Combine well, season with salt and pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes. When done, turn off heat and set aside. Let this cool for a bit before proceeding.

When the acorn squash is ready, remove them from the oven and set aside. Add the cubed mozzarella to the sausage mixture. Toss the mixture to combine. Add the eggplant and sausage mixture to the center of each acorn squash.

Prepare the panko with Italian seasonings and olive oil. Top each acorn squash evenly with the breadcrumb mixture and return them to the oven. Cook for another 15-20 minutes or until breadcrumb is browned, cheese is melted and squash is tender. Remove when done and serve immediately.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup With Spinach
Difficulty: Easy
Light, velvety smooth textured soup perfect to snuggle up with on a cold day yet bright enough to have year round.

1 vote 5.0 Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek, American

What to serve with stuffed acorn squash

This is a healthy and filling meal on its own. We suggest serving with a salad or a light soup like our lemon orzo soup. Click here for the recipe.

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