Sausage stuffed butternut squash is a cozy, savory dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. I love the sweet, roasted squash paired with the bold, herby sausage filling—it’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a complete meal in one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe for its balance of sweet and savory. The roasted squash becomes buttery and soft, while the sausage and veggie filling is hearty and satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Italian sausage
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Garlic
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Spinach or kale
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Cooked rice, quinoa, or breadcrumbs
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Parmesan cheese
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Herbs (sage, thyme, or parsley)
Directions
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I brush the squash with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down at 400°F for 40–45 minutes.
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I cook the sausage in a skillet, breaking it apart as it browns.
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I add onion, garlic, and greens to the sausage and cook until softened.
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I stir in cooked rice and cheese, then season to taste.
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I stuff the roasted squash halves with the filling and bake for another 10 minutes.
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I serve warm with extra cheese or herbs on top.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50–55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
I’ve added dried cranberries or apples for a touch of sweetness, or used wild rice for a nuttier texture. For a vegetarian version, I use mushrooms or lentils instead of sausage.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, I roast the squash and make the filling ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
What sausage works best?
I use Italian sausage, but spicy sausage or chicken sausage also works well.
Do I have to use rice?
No, I sometimes use quinoa, farro, or breadcrumbs instead.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, I wrap the squash tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use pre-cut squash?
For this recipe, I prefer whole halves, but diced squash could work in a casserole-style version.
Conclusion
Sausage stuffed butternut squash is a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and texture. I love making this when I want something nourishing, seasonal, and filling.
Print
Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sausage stuffed butternut squash is a cozy, savory fall dish featuring roasted squash halves filled with a hearty sausage, veggie, and rice mixture. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh or dried sage, thyme, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40–45 minutes until tender.
- While squash roasts, cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped greens and cook until wilted.
- Mix in cooked rice, Parmesan, and herbs. Season to taste.
- Remove squash from oven, flip cut-side up, and stuff with sausage mixture.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Sweet add-ins: Stir in dried cranberries or diced apples for contrast.
- Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms or lentils instead of sausage.
- Grain swaps: Try wild rice, farro, or breadcrumbs.
- Make-ahead: Prep squash and filling ahead, then stuff and bake when ready.
- Freezer tip: Wrap baked halves tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
