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Quick Stuffed Acorn Squash: Best Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This quick stuffed acorn squash is a cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in about 35 minutes. Sweet roasted squash halves are filled with a savory quinoa, dried cranberry, feta, and pecan mixture for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked protein (optional, e.g., ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Cut the acorn squash in half from stem to tip. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the maple syrup. Brush this mixture over the cut sides and cavities of the squash halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
  5. While the squash roasts, make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped pecans, minced garlic, chopped sage, and cinnamon. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. If using cooked protein, fold it in now.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip the squash halves cut-side up. Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the four squash halves, mounding slightly.
  7. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender and the filling is heated through. For extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes if desired.
  8. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra feta and fresh sage if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the pre-roast step—it ensures the squash is tender. Use leftover quinoa for speed. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste. Squash sizes vary, so check for doneness with a fork.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed acorn squash, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free, quinoa, fall recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/quick-stuffed-acorn-squash-best-easy-weeknight-dinner/