Fall Harvest Supper Casserole with Squash and Sausage

Name: Fall Harvest Supper Casserole with Squash and Sausage
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice (uncooked); 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and diced); 450 g sausage (Italian, casing removed); 2 apples (peeled, cored and sliced); 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium); 1 cup onion (chopped); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp thyme (dried); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

85 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Fall Harvest Supper Casserole with Squash and Sausage

Warm and comforting casserole featuring squash, sausage, apple, and wild rice. Perfect for a cozy fall supper.

Prep

25 min

Cook

50 min

Total

85 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing more satisfying than a hearty casserole that embodies the essence of autumn. Our Fall Harvest Supper Casserole brings together the best of the season with roasted squash, savoury sausage, sweet apples, and nutty wild rice. This dish is a celebration of fall's bounty, providing a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for a family gathering or a potluck dinner. Each bite offers a blend of textures and flavours that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this casserole is designed to be both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. The combination of ingredients not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of fall.

Ingredients

Servings

For the casserole

Instructions

Cook the wild rice

Bring 2 cups (500 ml) of water to a boil, add the wild rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.

Pro tip: Pre-cooking the rice ensures it doesn't become mushy in the casserole.

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Sauté the sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Pro tip: Remove excess grease for a lighter dish.

Cook the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onion and squash. Cook until the onion is translucent and the squash starts to soften, about 5 minutes.

Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sausage, onion, squash, apples, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pro tip: Ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with broth for consistent flavour.

Bake the casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is slightly golden.

Pro tip: Check the squash for tenderness to ensure it's fully cooked.

💡

Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a variety of squash for a more complex flavour.</li><li>Pre-cooking the rice ensures a tender texture in the casserole.</li><li>Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavours.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad and a loaf of crusty bread to round out the meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity red. To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.