Looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious? This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach hits the spot! Roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of lean turkey sausage, sautéed spinach, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden, cheesy perfection. It’s a well-balanced dish that’s ideal for weeknights or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Healthy – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Naturally Gluten-Free – No bread crumbs or grains needed.
Full of Flavor – Herbed turkey sausage, garlic, and creamy squash are a perfect match.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare components in advance for an easy dinner.
Family-Friendly – Mild, comforting flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Butternut Squash:
2 small or 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeded
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground turkey sausage (or ground turkey + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
4 cups baby spinach
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes
Tools You’ll Need
Sharp knife and spoon (to cut and seed squash)
Baking sheet
Skillet or sauté pan
Mixing spoon
Cheese grater
Basting brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender.
Flip the squash and let it cool slightly before stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the turkey sausage (or seasoned ground turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Carefully scoop out a bit of the roasted squash flesh from the center of each half to create a larger cavity for the filling (optional).
Add the scooped squash to the sausage mixture and stir to combine.
Spoon the filling into each squash half, mounding slightly.
Top with shredded mozzarella if using.
Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and color.
Serve hot, directly from the squash halves.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Butternut Squash
Use Smaller Squash – Easier to portion and stuff evenly.
Don’t Skip Roasting – Roasting enhances the squash’s sweetness and texture.
Use Pre-Cooked Sausage – Great time-saver if you’re short on time.
Make It Cheesy – A little mozzarella or feta adds great creaminess.
Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale can be added to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Dinner for Two – Serve one half per person for a hearty entrée.
Light Lunch – Serve half squash with a simple side salad.
Holiday Side Dish – Works beautifully as a festive vegetarian-friendly side.
Low-Carb Meal – Naturally low in grains and high in flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual halves in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Cover and heat in 60-second intervals until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the filling. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the turkey sausage with lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative. - What if my squash is too big?
Cut it into quarters or scoop out extra flesh to increase room for filling. - Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the squash and filling up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! Just ensure your sausage or seasoning mix is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach is a nourishing, satisfying dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s a simple way to eat seasonally, pack in the veggies, and enjoy a beautiful, balanced meal with minimal cleanup.
Try it out and let it become a new favorite in your weeknight rotation or holiday menu. Don’t forget to share your results and leave a review!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American / Healthy Comfort Food
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 stuffed half):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 550mg
Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
Looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious? This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach hits the spot! Roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a savory mixture of lean turkey sausage, sautéed spinach, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden, cheesy perfection. It’s a well-balanced dish that’s ideal for weeknights or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash:
2 small or 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeded
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground turkey sausage (or ground turkey + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
4 cups baby spinach
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender.
Flip the squash and let it cool slightly before stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the turkey sausage (or seasoned ground turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Carefully scoop out a bit of the roasted squash flesh from the center of each half to create a larger cavity for the filling (optional).
Add the scooped squash to the sausage mixture and stir to combine.
Spoon the filling into each squash half, mounding slightly.
Top with shredded mozzarella if using.
Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and color.
Serve hot, directly from the squash halves.
Notes
Use Smaller Squash – Easier to portion and stuff evenly.
Don’t Skip Roasting – Roasting enhances the squash’s sweetness and texture.
Use Pre-Cooked Sausage – Great time-saver if you’re short on time.
Make It Cheesy – A little mozzarella or feta adds great creaminess.
Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale can be added to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
