Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach

This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach is a cozy, wholesome, and satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights or hearty weeknight dinners. Roasted butternut squash becomes the perfect edible bowl, filled with a flavorful mix of lean turkey sausage, fresh spinach, and aromatics—making this meal naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and completely comforting.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Healthy – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Naturally Gluten-Free – A wholesome meal without any grains or flour.
Flavorful Filling – Turkey sausage, garlic, onion, and spinach bring bold, savory flavor.
Beautiful Presentation – A full squash half makes for an elegant, rustic main dish.
Meal Prep Friendly – Easy to prep ahead and reheat for lunches or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Squash:

• 2 small butternut squash (or 1 large, halved)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb turkey sausage (casings removed if needed)
• 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Spoon and knife
• Parchment paper or foil (optional)
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until flesh is fork-tender.
6. Flip and let cool slightly before filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
7. While squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
9. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
10. Add turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
11. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
12. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
13. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake
14. Carefully scoop out some of the squash flesh to make space for the filling, leaving about a ½-inch border. Reserve the scooped flesh and mix it into the sausage filling for added creaminess.
15. Spoon the sausage-spinach mixture into the squash halves, mounding it high.
16. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Step 4: Final Bake
17. Return filled squash to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
18. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
19. Serve hot as a main dish, sliced in half for sharing or individually plated.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Squash
Use Small Squash – They cook faster and make perfect individual servings.
Add Grains – Stir in cooked quinoa or wild rice to bulk up the filling.
Make It Dairy-Free – Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Pre-Cook Squash – Roast ahead and store in the fridge until ready to fill.
Control the Spice – Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions
Crisp Green Salad – A fresh side with lemon vinaigrette complements the savory filling.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds another seasonal veggie to the table.
Garlic Bread – Great for scooping up extra filling.
Simple Soup – Pair with a light broth-based soup for a cozy combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap halves in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, though the texture may soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash?
   You can. Use halved roasted sweet potatoes and scoop slightly to fill.
3. What type of turkey sausage is best?
   Mild or spicy Italian turkey sausage works well. You can also use chicken sausage.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based sausage.
5. Do I need to peel the squash?
   No, the skin softens while roasting and helps hold the filling.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach is the kind of wholesome comfort food that brings nutrition and flavor to the table. With its perfectly roasted squash base and hearty, savory filling, it’s a seasonal showstopper that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your beautiful stuffed squash.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 640mg

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