Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Broccoli, Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese

Discovering a New Family Favorite: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Oh, ladies, let me tell you about the delightful evening when I decided to make Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Broccoli, Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese. I'm in my 50s now, and I've warmed up to introducing a few new flavors into our family meals. But, I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about using spaghetti squash for the first time. Would the family like it? Would they even eat it?

That day, I had some sausage I wanted to use up. And then, while browsing through my vegetable stash, that yellow spaghetti squash caught my eye. I thought, “Why not give it a whirl?” So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, turning that ordinary squash into something oh-so-special.

Gathering the Ingredients

First things first, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound of Italian sausage (I used ground, but you can use links too!)
  • 1 cup of broccoli, chopped small
  • 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (because more cheese is always better!)
  • 1/2 cup of onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Just looking at this list already makes my mouth water! It’s simple, with ingredients that are easy to find, even in our little rural town.

Preparing the Squash

Now, let me tell you how to prepare that spaghetti squash. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, carefully cut your squash in half lengthwise. I won’t lie; it can be a tough job, but just take it slow. Once you’ve got it cut, scoop out those seeds. Drizzle some olive oil on the inside, and sprinkle a little salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet, and put it in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. It should be tender when it’s done.

As it cooks, your kitchen will smell heavenly! I just love how cozy it feels when something tasty is in the oven.

Making the Filling

While the squash is baking, it's time to make the filling. In a skillet, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat and add your diced onion. Once they turn soft and translucent, toss in the minced garlic, and let that sizzle for about a minute. Next, add your Italian sausage. Cook that up until it’s browned and fully cooked.

Once the sausage is ready, stir in the chopped broccoli. Cook until the broccoli turns bright in color and has softened just a touch. You want a bit of crunch left. Finally, add half of that gooey cheddar cheese into the sausage mixture. That cheese melting into the mix? Oh, just wait until you see how good it looks!

Bringing It All Together

By now, your spaghetti squash should be ready. Turn it over (watch out, it’s hot!) and fluff the insides with a fork to create that spaghetti-like texture. Then, spoon the sausage and broccoli mixture right into each half of the squash. Lastly, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add some more on top—no one can say no to melted cheese!

Put the stuffed squash back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is all bubbly and golden.

Serving with Love

When it finally came out of the oven, I couldn’t wait to serve it. The melted cheese had that perfect, inviting look, and the kids couldn’t help but rush to the table. We sat down together, and I watched the smiles spread across their faces as they took their first bites. You would have thought I was a gourmet chef!

This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash turned out to be a hit, and everyone went back for seconds. It became a new family staple, blending comfort food with a healthier twist.

Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

If you happen to have any leftovers—though I doubt it!—you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave. Just make sure you don’t rush it; let that cheesy goodness return to its former glory.

So, my dear friends, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s simple, delicious, and brings the family together, just as good home cooking should. Who knows? You might create a new favorite recipe in your household, just like I did!

Leave a Comment