Instant Pot® Acorn Squash Stuffed with Italian Sausage

This quick and easy acorn squash stuffed with sausage is an irresistible fall dish, and it's all done in an Instant Pot®.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 590 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ small onion, diced
• 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ½ pound Italian pork sausage
• ½ cup marinara sauce, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®), add olive oil, and select Saute function. Add sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until sausage is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 2

Transfer mixture to a bowl; drain and discard any excess grease.

Step 3

Stuff each squash half with sausage mixture. Place trivet inside the pressure cooker pot and add water. Place stuffed squash halves on the trivet. Close and lock the lid; be sure vent is sealed. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 4

Release pressure using the natural-release method for 7 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

Step 5

Carefully transfer squash halves to a serving plate and top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.