Stuffed Butternut Squash

I found this recipe floating around Pinterest and new I had to give it a try. Butternut squash are always great but there is something about eating them in the fall and winter. They are so hearty and so good for you, it's hard not to love them! 

I modified the recipe a little to create the most delicious filling vegetarian dish I've had in a while. It was full of flavor and was really easy to make. I know all you meat eaters would love this dish too -- I honestly didn't miss the meat at all!

What you'll need
1 large butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes
3/4 cup mushrooms,  I used baby portabellas
2 cloves garlic, diced
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
salt & pepper to taste

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400°.  Slice squash in half longways and scoop out the seeds. Place each half cut side down in a 9x13 pan and pour 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Place pan in the oven and bake until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and set aside.
2. While the squash is cooking, cook your quinoa. I love to make mine in a rice cooker becuase I can just throw it in with some water and I don't have to worry about watching it. Stove top works just as well though!
3. While squash and quinoa are cooking, heat olive oil and add the garlic and mushrooms in a large skillet. After about 6 minutes add your sun dried tomatoes. Saute mixture until tender but make sure to not overcook it.
4. Once squash is done scoop out the insides, leaving 1/4 - 1/2 inch on the sides and bottom. Drain water from the pan and return the squash to the pan cut side up.
5. Mash the scooped out squash and stir in the cheese. Add quinoa and mushroom/sun dried tomato mixture to the squash and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Scoop filling evenly into the butternut squash halves. Sprinkle the top with cheese and return to the oven.  Let bake for 10-15 additional minutes or until cheese has melted and the tops begin to brown.
7. Enjoy!

You will have to let us know if you try this one out! Do you have any favorite squash recipes you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments!