Carla'S Squash-Haters Squash Casserole
A creamy, savory squash casserole with sausage, Velveeta, and crunchy toast crumbs, perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks that love comforting, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the squash into chunks and boil until tender.
- Brown the pork sausage in a skillet.
- Mix the cooked squash, browned sausage, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta chunks, and crushed crunchy toast slices together.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven at 300°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. If you want to add some extra flavor, try incorporating some sautéed onions or bell peppers. Additionally, you can substitute Velveeta with a different cheese, like cheddar, for a sharper taste. Make sure to cut the squash into even chunks for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a great side dish for grilled meats or served alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Annette'S Super Cornbread for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carla'S Squash-Haters Squash Casserole contains roughly 614 calories, with 30g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen squash; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the casserole's texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can omit the pork sausage and replace it with cooked lentils or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Additionally, use a vegetable-based cream soup to keep it vegetarian.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. You may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).