Sweet and creamy acorn squash balances the slightly spicy sausage filling.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 1/2 hours

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3 acorn squash (3/4-1 pound each)
5 ounces bulk turkey sausage
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
Several dashes hot red pepper sauce, to taste
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Cut squash in half horizontally. Scoop out and discard seeds. Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until tender, about 45 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder and cumin; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, beans, salt and hot sauce, scraping up any browned bits. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the tomatoes are broken down, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. When the squash are tender, reduce oven temperature to 325°. Fill the squash halves with the turkey mixture. Top with cheese. Place on the baking sheet and bake until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 259 calories; 7 g fat (4 g sat, 1 g mono); 29 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 15 g protein; 7 g fiber; 482 mg sodium; 884 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (80% daily value), Vitamin A (45% dv), Calcium (20% dv), Iron (15% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable

This recipe was very easy to make, and very tasty too. Super filling. I halved everything for 2 people (only used 1 squash). I am definitely adding this to my rotation of meals for fall/winter.

Anonymous, Sacramento, CA

Super easy to make. It was very tasty & hearty. Will definitely be making it again soon.

Anonymous, New Bedford, MA

Outstanding! Needs a little green... cilantro perhaps. My wife & I loved it! BC

Anonymous, Carbondale, IL

This was totally easy (with a bit of prep) and super good. I loved how the flavors really blended and complemented each other.

Grace, Sonoma, CA

If anyone is on weight watchers, it is only 5 points each. Very good!!!

jean, Starke, FL

Tried and True...! Quick and Easy and jammed packed with FLAVOR. YUMMERS! :) THANK YOU!

Anonymous, Portland, OR

I tried this recipe on Sunday for my husband and I and had half of the roll of turkey left. 1 day later he comes home with another squash. I know I will be fixing this a lot. VERY GOOD

Anonymous, Batavia, OH

I made a vegetarian version. Still filling and quite tasty. I's also recommend added a touch of salsa or sofrito to keep the beans moist.

Sara, Colchester, VT

With out a doubt the best! I made this for the first time when I had company and everyone loved it! I enjoy working with seasonal foods and this is perfect for fall and winter. I highly recommend this recipe especially if you want to impress your family or guests. They will be talking about your dinner for a long time!!!

Anonymous, Pittsburgh, PA

I used one acorn squash and one delicato. Both were excellent. I also upped the sausage to 1/2 lb. I used regular tomatoes instead of cherry. I loved it and am making it again for a big celebration this week!

Betty, Seattle, WA

This was excellent and the presentation looks really nice. The sweetness of the squash mixes well with the spicy filling.

Anonymous, Philadelphia, PA

We loved this dish and it was easy to make, I used a large acorn squash and served it as a meal for just the two of us. I had enough stuffing left to freeze and use another time. It was tasty and went well with a glass of South American red wine. I cut back on the chili and cumin as we don't like things that are too spicy and it was just delicious.

Trudy, St Pete, FL

This is wonderful!! I used turkey breakfast sausage and I especially love the flavor of the sausage with the black beans together. I love the sweetness of the squash with the combination of flavors in the filling. It makes a beautifully healthy and hearty meal and it pleases all of the senses. Thank you for another masterpiece!

Donna, Charlotte, NC

Absolutely tasty! I made a vegetarian version for two by using one squash and omitting the sausage, but kept the amounts for the filling the same. I had enough to put in the squashes AND have some left to put over lettuce for a southwestern style salad for lunch the next day :)

Sarah, Lakewood, OH

Had this last night at a fun New Year's Eve party ... took the biggest one left home and had it this morning for breakfast and am now printing the recipe and planning on making it within the next couple of days. Delicious.

Hollie N Cliff, Brownfield, ME

This is among my favorite EatingWell recipes. Find a tasty sausage, as it really impacts the dish. I use 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and add a pinch of ground chipotle. Great even without the cheese. Easy and quick.

Linda, Northbridge, MA

This has become one of our favorite recipes! It's filling and makes it easier to get more veggies with dinner.

Sabrina, Lexington, VA

My husband is not 'big' on squash and loved this dish.

Wendy, Erie, PA

I made this and loved it! My boyfriend ate every piece of it. It's still one of my favorite things to make. I even used the leftover filling to eat with chips.

Jess, Tampa, FL

I loved this recipe!

Valerie