Save to Pinterest When the crisp air of autumn settles in, there is nothing more satisfying than a warm, oven-baked meal. This Cozy Butternut Squash & Sausage Casserole brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted squash, savory Italian sausage, and nutrient-dense quinoa for a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious. Topped with a layer of bubbly, melted cheese, it is the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner on a chilly evening.
Save to Pinterest The beauty of this casserole lies in its depth of flavor. By sautéing the aromatics and browning the sausage before baking, you create a savory base that perfectly complements the natural sugars of the butternut squash. The addition of thyme, sage, and paprika adds a warm, herbaceous profile that makes every bite feel like a celebration of the season.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 cups baby spinach, fresh parsley (optional garnish).
- Meats & Protein: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed), 1 cup cooked quinoa.
- Dairy: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pantry & Spices: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
- Liquids: 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth.
Instructions
- 1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Brown the Sausage
- Increase the heat slightly, add the Italian sausage, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for about 7–10 minutes.
- 4. Cook Squash and Season
- Add the butternut squash to the skillet. Stir in dried thyme, dried sage, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash starts to soften.
- 5. Combine Greens and Grains
- Add the baby spinach and cooked quinoa, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- 6. Simmer
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- 7. Assemble
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- 8. Bake
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 9. Final Touch
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To make the preparation even easier, ensure you have a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board for the squash. This dish is also an excellent candidate for meal prep; you can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. If baking directly from the fridge, simply add a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! You can substitute the quinoa with cooked rice or couscous for a different texture. For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles or a variety of hearty beans. You can also toss in other seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as kale or mushrooms.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this casserole warm, garnished generously with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir, which complements the savory herbs, or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad makes this a complete and elegant meal.
Save to Pinterest With its vibrant colors and rich, comforting flavors, this Cozy Butternut Squash & Sausage Casserole is bound to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create a truly memorable meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 2 days before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What can I substitute for the quinoa?
Cooked rice, couscous, or even farro work beautifully as grain alternatives. Each brings slightly different texture while maintaining the hearty, satisfying nature of the dish.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or add cannellini beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cooking times remain the same.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- → What wine pairs well with this casserole?
A light red like Pinot Noir complements the sausage and squash beautifully. For white wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness while balancing the sweet vegetables.
- → How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. It typically takes 5-7 minutes in the skillet plus the full baking time to reach perfect tenderness.