Description
A delicious recipe for Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium summer squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the summer squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center. Place the squash halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into the hollowed-out summer squash halves. Top each filled squash with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the stuffed squash cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sausage mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg