Sausage and Squash Casserole Recipe with Apples
This healthy sausage and squash casserole recipe is made with ground sausage, butternut squash, sweet apples, and rice to come together in a delicious meal.ย Easy gluten-free casserole recipes make the perfect weeknight meal. When you can prepare something healthy in under an hour, and in one baking dish that the whole family will love, you have a win-win!
This ground pork sausage and butternut squash casserole takes comfort food to the next level, combining wholesome ingredients with delicious flavor. It embodies the flavors of Fall but can be enjoyed all year round.
If you are in the mood for a heartwarming casserole that’s bursting with fall flavors, this recipe is your answer. Tender butternut squash mingles with savory ground pork sausage, sweet apples, and fluffy rice, all seasoned with fragrant sage and thyme. It’s a perfect one-pan dish that’s both cozy and satisfying.
Sausage and Squash Casserole Recipe Ingredients
You will need a handful of simple ingredients to make this healthy butternut squash and sausage casserole. You can grab these all at your local grocery store, Whole Foods, or online.
- 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 small apple, diced
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
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When it comes to the sausage, I am using ground pork sausage. You can use Italian sausage, sweet sausage, or sausage links. If you use links, make sure to remove the meat from the casing, or slice it into small pieces. If you are not a fan of pork or don’t have any on hand, you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
I order all of my pork, turkey, and chicken from small regenerative farmers online, and it comes shipped to my home. If you are looking for a quality meat option for small family wonder farms, check out Crowd Cow.
For the squash, I am using butternut squash. The squash in the photo is huge, so I only used half. You will only need a medium squash, so if yours is giant, then go with half as well. Butternut squash has a much different texture than zucchini squash or summer squash, so I would not swap those in this recipe.
Use either store-bought chicken stock or make your own. This is my homemade chicken broth recipe. Homemade chicken stock is easy to make with leftover chicken bones and fresh vegetables.
You will also need a large skillet and a casserole dish to make this great recipe. Make sure to check out my casserole-making essentials for everything you need to make easy casserole recipes.
How to Make a Sausage and Squash Casserole with Apples and Sage
First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Then peel the squash, and cut into 1-2″ cubes. Spread the squash cubes out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the squash for 25 minutes until fork tender.
While the squash is in the oven pour the chicken broth and the water into a medium saucepan.
Then add the fresh sage, and bring to a simmer. Let the broth and sage simmer over low heat while you prepare the rest of the casserole.
Next, cook the sausage until brown and crumbly in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Approximately 5-8 minutes.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon. Do not drain excess grease. Leave the pork grease in the skillet.
Lower to medium heat and saute the onions in the skillet for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Next, add the chopped apple and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.
When the squash is done, add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the sausage, apples, and onion.
Then add the broth with the sage, the dried thyme, and salt and black pepper to taste. This may seem like a lot of water and broth, but don’t worry – the rice will absorb it all.
Return to medium heat and cook on the stovetop for 5 minutes before transferring to a casserole dish.
Once the flavors have melded in the skillet, transfer the mix of sausage, squash, rice, and apple to a prepared baking dish. Tent the dish with foil (to trap steam and prevent browning) and pop it back in the preheated oven.
Let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed the delicious broth.
Easy Gluten-Free Sausage and Squash Casserole Recipe
This sausage and butternut squash casserole is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
It’s hearty and satisfying, with the savory sausage perfectly complementing the sweetness of the apples and the comforting texture of the rice. The roasted squash adds a delightful depth of flavor, and the subtle hints of sage and thyme elevate the dish to a whole new level. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner win.
This casserole reheats beautifully, so store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Enjoy it for lunch the next day, or even with eggs in the morning for a delicious and hearty breakfast.
This casserole is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle.
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Sausage and Squash Casserole Recipe with Apples
This healthy sausage and squash casserole recipe is made with ground sausage, butternut squash, sweet apples, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 small apple, diced
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
- Peel and cube the squash
- Spread squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cook squash in the oven for 25 minutes until fork tender
- Pour chicken broth, water, and fresh sage into a saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Let it simmer while you prepare the. other ingredients.
- In a large skillet cook the sausage
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the pork grease in the skillet.
- Then saute the onion in the skillet
- Add the apple and the garlic
- Then add the rice and sausage back to the skillet
- Add the roasted squash and broth to the skillet
- Cook on the stove for 5 minutes and then transfer to a casserole dish
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes. until the rice absorbs all of the liquid.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 242Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 534mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on products/ingredients used.