Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
This easy sausage, egg, and hash brown casserole is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
This easy sausage, egg, and hash brown casserole is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 pound italian sausage (i prefer hot but mild or sweet also work)
- 1 medium white onion peeled and diced
- 1 jar of roasted red peppers drained and diced)
- 1 bag frozen hash browns thawed (i used the cubed kind)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- (optional topping: thinly sliced green onions)
- Carbohydrate 14.3304690627599 g
- Cholesterol 4.67500000084535 mg
- Fat 1.42226437526859 g
- Fiber 0.885515619585598 g
- Protein 4.51624843775155 g
- Saturated Fat 0.767336875155809 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (217g)
- Sodium 110.716375003298 mg
- Sugar 13.4449534431743 g
- Trans Fat 0.15986687503169 g
- Calories 86 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add the sausage to a medium saute pan. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, crumbling the sausage with a spoon as it cooks.
- Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of sausage grease in the saute pan, discarding the rest.
- Add the onion and red pepper to the saute pan, and saute for 5 minutes until cooked.
- Add the garlic and saute for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. (If using the jarred roasted red peppers, wait to stir them until after the garlic.)
- Pour the vegetable mixture into the mixing bowl with the sausage.
- Add the hash browns and 1 1/2 cups cheese to the mixing bowl with the sausage and veggies. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and black pepper until combined. Then add them to the hashbrown mixture, and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 11x7-inch or a 9x9-inch baking dish (a 9x13-inch dish will also work), and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Then remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top of the potatoes begin to slightly brown.
- Remove and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with green onions and serve!
My Go-To Easy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Mornings in our house can be a whirlwind. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and making sure everyone is out the door on time, breakfast often gets pushed to the side. But breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? That's why I've perfected this easy cheesy breakfast casserole. It's a lifesaver, I tell you! It's quick to assemble the night before, cooks beautifully while I'm tending to other morning chaos, and feeds the whole family (plus, there are leftovers for a quick lunch!).
This recipe is more than just a breakfast dish; it's a symbol of efficiency and family. The aroma of sausage, cheese, and potatoes wafting through the kitchen is a comforting promise of a good start to the day. And let's be honest, the best part is the minimal cleanup. After a busy morning rush, the last thing I want is to spend an hour washing dishes. This casserole keeps it simple and stress-free.
I've experimented with this recipe over the years, tweaking it based on what's available and what my family prefers. Sometimes I add a little extra spice, other times I go for a milder flavor profile. Sometimes I use a mix of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, even a little pepper jack for a kick. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to substitute ingredients or add your own personal touches. You can use different types of sausage, add in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even experiment with different types of potatoes.
A Recipe for More Than Just Breakfast
Beyond the deliciousness and ease of preparation, this casserole represents something more for me. It's a testament to the power of planning and preparation. Knowing that I have a hearty, delicious breakfast ready to go in the morning allows me to focus on other important tasks. It’s a small act of self-care in the midst of the chaos, a little bit of peace and order in my otherwise crazy schedule. It takes just a little bit of time the night before to put together, but the rewards are well worth the effort. It's the perfect way to start the day with a smile, feeling nourished and ready to conquer whatever the day throws my way.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a ritual. It's the quiet moment of assembling the ingredients, the satisfying sizzle of the sausage in the pan, the warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. It's about creating a simple yet meaningful routine that sets a positive tone for the entire day, not just for me, but for my family too. It's the little things, the everyday acts of love and care, that truly matter. And for me, this simple breakfast casserole is one of them.
Beyond the Recipe: Making Memories
I often find myself reflecting on the little moments while preparing this dish. The laughter shared with my children as they help me measure out the ingredients, the stories we tell as we wait for the casserole to bake. These are the moments I cherish, the memories that I know I'll hold dear for years to come. It's more than just breakfast; it's a family tradition, a chance to connect and create lasting memories.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast option, give this casserole a try. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to simplify your mornings, nourish your family, and create lasting memories.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage.
Enjoy!
