Description
This hearty and comforting dish pairs the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a savory filling of ground Italian turkey sausage, tart Granny Smith apples, and fresh kale. It is a nutritious, balanced, and visually stunning meal that feels sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. The addition of tangy feta cheese rounds out the flavors for a perfect autumn-inspired dinner experience.
Ingredients
2 large acorn squash
1/2 pound ground Italian turkey or chicken sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion, finely diced
3 cups fresh kale, chopped with stems removed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/2 large Granny Smith apple, diced
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Brush the squash flesh with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place face down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
While roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the turkey sausage until cooked through.
Add the onion, celery, and apple to the skillet and sauté until softened.
Stir in the garlic and chopped kale, cooking until the greens are wilted.
Season the mixture with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Flip the roasted squash over and fill each cavity with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
Top with crumbled feta and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is slightly warmed and the flavors are melded.
Notes
Ensure you select squash that are heavy for their size to ensure they have the most flesh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Feel free to add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg