Name: Hearty Harvest Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage; 1 cup diced onions; 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green); 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup diced butternut squash; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 4 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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This Hearty Harvest Casserole tastes like fall on a plate. It’s warm, rich, and packed with all my favorite cozy flavors. Every bite feels like a little piece of comfort.

I made it one weekend when I wanted something filling but simple. I threw in some veggies, grains, and a creamy sauce—and it came out so good. It’s the kind of dish that makes the house smell amazing.

It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. You can serve it for dinner or bring it to a gathering. Let’s make this casserole together—it’s comfort food done right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best: A perfect blend of savory sausage, sweet vegetables, and gooey cheese—this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Packed with Nutrients: Fresh spinach, butternut squash, and eggs make this dish an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for breakfast or brunch.
Hearty and Filling: This casserole is loaded with wholesome ingredients that will leave you full and satisfied, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Versatile: You can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or meat options.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the Hearty Harvest Casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

Large skillet for cooking the sausage and veggies
Large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients
9×13-inch baking dish to bake the casserole
Aluminum foil to cover the casserole while it bakes
Whisk for beating the eggs and milk mixture
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy in ingredient measurements

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and satisfying casserole (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage adds a flavorful, savory base to the dish.
Onions: 1 cup of diced onions enhances the casserole with a mild, savory flavor.
Bell Peppers: 1 cup of diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) provide a slight sweetness and crunch.
Fresh Spinach: 3 cups of fresh spinach add color and nutrition to the casserole.
Butternut Squash: 1 cup of diced butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely texture.
Eggs: 8 large eggs create a rich, eggy base for the casserole, holding all the ingredients together.
Milk: 2 cups of milk create a creamy texture for the casserole.
Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder bring out the depth of flavor in the dish.
Cubed Bread: 4 cups of day-old bread cubes help create a hearty, filling base that soaks up the flavors of the sausage, vegetables, and eggs.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese add creaminess and richness to the casserole.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Variations for Hearty Harvest Casserole

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are several ways to customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs:

Swap the Sausage: If you’re not a fan of breakfast sausage or want a leaner option, you can easily swap it out for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even crumbled bacon.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or kale to boost the flavor and nutrition of the casserole.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread cubes to make the casserole gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, use non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix for a spicy twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hearty Harvest Casserole

1. Cook the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and butternut squash. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined. This will form the creamy base for your casserole.

3. Combine Everything

In your 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked sausage and veggie mixture with the cubed bread. Toss everything together so that the bread is well coated with the sausage and veggies.

Next, pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the bread and veggies. Gently press down on the mixture to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture.

4. Add Cheese

Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly over the surface. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer on top of the casserole.

5. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

6. Let It Rest

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Hearty Harvest Casserole

This Hearty Harvest Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but there are a few ways to serve it for a perfect meal:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or avocado slices for a balanced meal.
As a Family Dinner: Serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
For Meal Prep: This casserole makes a great meal prep option. Slice it into individual portions and store in the fridge for easy, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

Garnish Ideas:

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and color.
Hot Sauce: Add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Storing Hearty Harvest Casserole

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutrition with Table Format

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1/8 of casserole)
Calories	400 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	600 mg
Cholesterol	150 mg
Vitamin A	20% DV
Vitamin C	25% DV
Calcium	15% DV
Iron	15% DV

Conclusion

This Hearty Harvest Casserole is the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly morning or to serve at your next family gathering. It’s packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and a cheesy, savory goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast, a cozy dinner, or a make-ahead meal for the week, this casserole has got you covered. Enjoy!