Butternut Squash & Sausage Casserole (Printable)

A hearty baked dish combining roasted squash, savory sausage, quinoa, and bubbly cheese—perfect for chilly evenings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3 cups baby spinach
05 - Fresh parsley, for garnish

→ Meats & Protein

06 - 1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or spicy, casing removed
07 - 1 cup cooked quinoa

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry & Spices

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried sage
13 - 1 teaspoon paprika
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

15 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Increase heat slightly, add Italian sausage, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for 7–10 minutes.
05 - Add butternut squash to the skillet. Stir in dried thyme, dried sage, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash starts to soften.
06 - Add baby spinach and cooked quinoa, stirring until spinach wilts.
07 - Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
08 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect Balance: Combines protein, healthy grains, and fiber-rich vegetables in one pan.
  • Customizable Heat: Use sweet Italian sausage for a mild flavor or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapted for dietary needs by using certified gluten-free sausage and broth.
02 -
  • Allergen Awareness: Always check labels on sausage and broth for hidden gluten or dairy if you are serving guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Cheese Crust: For an extra golden top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • Sausage Prep: Be sure to remove the casings from the sausage before browning to ensure it integrates perfectly with the squash and quinoa.
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