Stuffed Pumpkins with Sausage, Quinoa, and Mozzarella Recipe
These stuffed pumpkins are a delightful fall recipe featuring tender sugar pumpkins filled with a savory mixture of ground sausage, quinoa, cheese, and fresh herbs. Baked until perfectly tender, this dish makes a hearty and visually stunning meal perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 small sugar pumpkins
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Protein & Dairy
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Grains & Herbs
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pumpkins.
- Prepare Pumpkins: Cut the tops off each sugar pumpkin and carefully scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing. Set the tops aside for later.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the cooked quinoa, diced onion, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are nicely incorporated.
- Stuff Pumpkins: Fill each hollowed-out pumpkin with the sausage and quinoa mixture. Place the stuffed pumpkins on the prepared baking sheet and cover each with its reserved top.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed pumpkins in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pumpkins are tender when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for ground sausage if preferred.
- To save time, cook the quinoa in advance or use pre-cooked quinoa.
- Feel free to add other herbs such as thyme or oregano for variation.
- For a cheesier filling, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking.
- Allow the pumpkins to cool slightly before serving as the filling will be hot.
