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Stuffed Pumpkins

Stuffed Pumpkins
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★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Delight in these savory stuffed pumpkins filled with a flavorful blend of ground sausage, quinoa, vegetables, cheese, and fresh herbs. This wholesome dish combines the natural sweetness of sugar pumpkins with a hearty, protein-packed filling, perfect for a comforting fall meal or a festive centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkins

  • 4 small sugar pumpkins

Filling

  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare Pumpkins: Cut the tops off each pumpkin and scoop out all seeds and fibrous strands, creating a hollow cavity for the stuffing. Set the pumpkin tops aside to cover later.
  3. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture.
  4. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with cooked quinoa, diced onions, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  5. Stuff Pumpkins: Fill each hollowed pumpkin with the prepared sausage and quinoa mixture. Place stuffed pumpkins on the lined baking sheet and cover each with its reserved pumpkin top.
  6. Bake: Bake the stuffed pumpkins in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the pumpkins are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is heated through.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground sausage with seasoned cooked lentils or mushrooms.
  • You can use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
  • Scoop out the pumpkin seeds to roast separately for a crunchy snack.
  • Ensure pumpkins are firm and without blemishes for best results.
  • Let the stuffed pumpkins rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed pumpkins, pumpkin recipe, ground sausage, quinoa, fall recipe, baked pumpkins, savory stuffing

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/stuffed-pumpkins/