Nothing says fall like stuffed squash! This Paleo recipe fills tender acorn squash with autumn flavors like sweet apple, savory sausage, and fresh sage.
Another great thing about acorn squash: They’re small, so they roast up quickly. You can also start with butternut, delicata, or spaghetti squash, or even pumpkin if you prefer, but keep in mind that the cooking times will vary. Keep an eye on your squash as it roasts—you want it to be fork-tender, but firm enough so that it’ll hold the hearty stuffing.
Start by using a sharp knife to cut off the ends of an acorn squash (so it will stay upright), then slice it in half and spoon out the seeds. Since acorn squash is so small, we use three of them to hold the stuffing—but you’ll only need one large squash or pumpkin if you go that route. Rub with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven.
While your squash is roasting, prepare the filling: Start by sauteing ground pork in a bit of olive oil. Once browned, remove from the pan and add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to cook in the drippings. Add a diced apple, spinach, and lots of herbs—we love a mix of fresh sage and rosemary, but dried herbs or another combination could also work great here.
Add the cooked pork back in the pan, and if you like, mix in some dried cranberries for a burst of sweet flavor. Divide the filling evenly in each squash half, then broil until nicely browned on top. Enjoy!
Tips:
- This recipe is great for meal prep! Make the stuffing and roast the squash ahead of time, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just fill and broil for an incredibly quick meal.
- If you’re looking to wow guests at your Thanksgiving table this year, it makes for a terrific eye-catching side dish!
Can’t get enough squash? It's time to add this butternut squash risotto and spaghetti squash chicken & veggie bowl to your weekly lineup.
