Apple Chicken Sausage Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly coat a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray (the more surface area the better, in my opinion!)

Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add onion, salt and broth and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion turns golden. This should take about 3 minutes. Add in carrots, tomatoes, garlic powder, basil and paprika, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add in chopped celery, corn and other ingredients (if using). Stir well.

Remove from heat and add milk, bread and sausage. Stir well. Fold in chopped apple. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and put the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until top is brown and crisp, about 10-15 more minutes.

This casserole is so versatile … I’ve already thought of loads and loads more stuff to add in: sesame seeds, diced sweet potatoes, quinoa … If any of you try those additions, please let me know how they turn out!