Are you ready to warm up your kitchen with a delicious dish that screams fall? My November harvest Casserole is packed with sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and savory sausage, making it the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights! Join me as we dive into this easy recipe that not only tastes amazing but will also have your family coming back for seconds!

Cook Time: 70

Prep Time: 30

Yields: 12

Calories: 927

Simple Ingredients for Delicious November Harvest Casserole

Creating a hearty November harvest Casserole is all about using fresh, seasonal ingredients that intertwine beautifully in flavor and texture. here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:

1 medium butternut squash: Halved and seeded, this squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a lovely creamy texture.
2 sweet potatoes: Halved lengthwise; their natural sweetness complements the savory elements in the casserole.
2¾ cups water: To cook the couscous and help bind the flavors together.
¼ teaspoon salt: Simply enhances the overall taste of the dish.
1½ cups whole grain couscous: A healthier option to traditional pasta,providing a nice chewy texture.
5 links precooked apple chicken sausage: Sliced into rounds; this adds a delightful savory kick and a hint of sweetness. Feel free to substitute with any other chicken sausage you prefer!
1 green bell pepper: Diced; adds color and a crunchy contrast to the soft textures.
½ cup diced green onion: For a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
1 (12-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese: This gooey topping gives the casserole a beautiful, melty finish.

These ingredients not only make up a comforting fall dish but also invite a warm, inviting aroma into your kitchen. As you gather your ingredients,just imagine how wonderful this casserole will taste baked and served at your next family gathering or cozy dinner.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Making November harvest Casserole

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to bring this November Harvest Casserole to the table. Follow these simple steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for even cooking of your casserole.

Prepare the squash and sweet potatoes: Place the butternut squash and sweet potatoes cut-side down on a baking sheet.Bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. They should be soft enough to handle when done.

Cool and scoop: After baking, let the vegetables cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, scoop out the flesh and place it in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Cook the couscous: In a small saucepan,bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s soft. Drain any excess water and fold it into the casserole dish.

Combine the ingredients: Add the sliced sausage, diced bell pepper, and green onion to the dish. Mix everything well, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

Cover and bake: Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for another 30 to 40 minutes until it’s all hot and bubbly.

This casserole is not only a fantastic way to utilize seasonal ingredients but also makes a delightful centerpiece for your fall meals. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips for your November Harvest Casserole

Once your November Harvest Casserole is ready, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed right away or saved for later. Serving is simple: I like to dish it up warm, letting the melted mozzarella cheese stretch a bit on your plate. This casserole is great as a main course, paired with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors.It can easily serve a crowd—about 12 generous portions—making it perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings with family and friends.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheating is a breeze! Just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through.If you want to revive that gooey cheese texture, consider covering it with foil until heated, then removing it for the last few minutes to let the cheese crisp up slightly.

You can also freeze this casserole if you want to plan ahead for busy days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. The flavors tend to meld even more beautifully after sitting, so it’s almost like a gift that keeps giving!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for November Harvest Casserole

Cooking is an adventure, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few helpful notes and troubleshooting tips for your November Harvest Casserole to ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Vegetable variations: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal veggies. Carrots, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts can add a delightful twist. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

Cheese Choices: While I love the gooeyness of mozzarella,you can switch things up.Cheddar,Gouda,or even a sprinkle of feta can add a unique flavor profile.

Couscous Alternatives: If couscous isn’t available, quinoa or even brown rice can serve as tasty substitutes. Adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.

Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole during the initial bake helps retain moisture and ensures that everything cooks evenly. Remove the foil later for that nice golden crust on top.

Too Much Liquid?: If you notice the casserole is too watery after baking, it may be because the vegetables released more moisture than expected. Next time, try reducing the water or cooking the veggies a bit longer beforehand.

Uncooked Couscous: If your couscous seems undercooked, it likely needs a bit more time in the oven. just cover it back up and let it bake a little longer.

With these tips, I hope you feel confident to tackle any little hiccups along the way. Enjoy your time in the kitchen making this comforting casserole!