Turkey Sausage Stuffed Delicata Boats
This Turkey Sausage Stuffed Delicata Boats recipe is a colorful, hearty, and fuss-free meal combining sweet squash, savory sausage, quinoa, and melty mozzarella cheese.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the delicata squash well, then slice each in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits, creating hollow "boats." Drizzle the squash halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the flesh is tender but still holds its shape.
- While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked quinoa and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This mixture should be flavorful and slightly cheesy, providing a hearty filling for your delicata boats.
- Flip the roasted delicata squash halves over so the cut side is up. Spoon the turkey sausage and quinoa filling generously into each boat. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return the stuffed boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the Turkey Sausage Stuffed Delicata Boats for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
- Oven mitts
Notes
- Do not overcook the delicata squash; roast until just fork-tender to keep the boats intact.
- Drain excess fat from cooked turkey sausage to avoid soggy filling.
- Use cooked quinoa for best texture and flavor in the filling.
- Swap turkey sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
