Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it's surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat broiler. Cut squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds. Place squash in a large microwave-safe dish, cut side down; add 1/2 in. water. Microwave, covered, on high until soft, 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook and crumble sausage with onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.
  3. Leaving 1/2-in.-thick shells, scoop flesh from squash and stir it into sausage mixture. Place squash shells on a baking sheet; fill with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
  4. Broil 4-5 in. from heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with pepper flakes. To serve, cut each half into 2 portions.
Health Tip: Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. It’s important for normal vision and a healthy immune system, and it helps the heart, lungs and kidneys function properly.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.