WIld Rice and Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole

I've never been a big casserole lover. I think that may be because most casseroles I've come across in my day are loaded with cream type soups and unhealthy fillers. This is one of those casseroles that came about quite by accident, a what do I have in the pantry and fridge that I can throw together sort of thing. Some days creativity completely eludes me. I'm o.k. with that.

This ended up being one of the most delicious and savory yet healthy casseroles that I've come up with in a while. Everyone just loved it {no easy feat with 4 picky eaters and a husband who "doesn't like all of his flavors to blend together.". 

Make sure you use a good quality wild rice, not a boxed one with the mystery packet of spices, sodium and preservatives. My favorite is from Trader Joe's called Brown Rice Medley. It has a mix of long grain brown rice, black barley and Daikon radish seeds it is very hearty and tasty.

This is my submission for week 2 of 12 weeks of Winter Squash 

Wild Rice and Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole

SERVES      8          TIME      45 MINUTES

Ingredients
1 cup wild rice medley, cooked according to package directions
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium sized butternut squash
1 bunch of baby spinach leaves
1 cup apple juice (or broth, or water)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme 
1 Tablespoon fresh Parsley
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 small slab of real butter to coat your casserole dish with



Putting it all Together


Cook the rice according to package directions, minus about 10-15 minutes (it will continue to cook in the oven)

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds using a large spoon. Pour apple juice into a roasting pan and place squash face down. Roast at 400° F for about 20 minutes. You will want it to be a bit firm so you can cut it into cubes. Don't overcook!

Meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet, brown the turkey over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, sauté 3 more minutes. Roughly chop spinach and add to turkey mixture. Cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. 


Remove skin from squash and cut into 1 inch cubes. Put rice, turkey mixture, squash, herbs and spices into a prepared casserole dish. Bake at 400° F for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted. 


Enjoy the amazing aroma floating through your house and pat yourself on the back for creating it!!!

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