Easy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Hash Browns, and Eggs
Try this Easy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Hash Browns, and Eggs recipe.
Try this Easy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Hash Browns, and Eggs recipe.
- 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
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- (optional topping: thinly sliced green onions)
- 1 red bell pepper cored and diced (or 1 jar of roasted red peppers, drained and diced)
- 1 (20 ounce) bag frozen hash browns thawed
- Carbohydrate 7.69643156275986 g
- Cholesterol 4.67500000084535 mg
- Fat 1.20338937526859 g
- Fiber 0.602890615532482 g
- Protein 3.78801093775155 g
- Saturated Fat 0.702078125155809 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (189g)
- Sodium 101.961375003298 mg
- Sugar 7.09354094722737 g
- Trans Fat 0.11566687503169 g
- Calories 56 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 baking dish, 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!
Easy Breakfast Casserole: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Mornings in my house are, let's just say, *interesting*. Between getting three kids ready for school, packing lunches that actually get eaten, and making sure everyone has their shoes and homework, breakfast is often an afterthought. But a healthy and satisfying breakfast is crucial, especially for growing kids, and I refuse to compromise on that. That's where this Easy Breakfast Casserole comes in – my secret weapon for stress-free mornings.
This casserole is a lifesaver. It's incredibly easy to prepare the night before, and it bakes beautifully while I'm tending to the morning chaos. The combination of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and fluffy eggs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters in the family. It's a hearty breakfast that keeps everyone fueled until lunch, making it perfect for busy weekdays. I even prep the ingredients the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator, saving me precious minutes in the morning.
Beyond the Busy Mornings: A Casserole for Every Occasion
While this casserole is my go-to for busy week mornings, it’s also surprisingly versatile. It's easily adaptable for different tastes and occasions. For example, you can add different kinds of cheese – pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Swap the Italian sausage for chorizo for a unique twist. Or, if you're catering to a vegetarian crowd, you can simply omit the sausage altogether and add some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts. You can prepare it entirely the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning; stress free breakfast is guaranteed!
Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Don't overcook the sausage. Brown it until it's cooked through but not dried out.
- Use good quality cheese. The cheese is a major flavor component, so don't skimp here.
- Let it rest. Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Get creative with toppings! Experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
This Easy Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a solution, a time-saver, and a delicious way to start the day. It’s the embodiment of efficient cooking and satisfying flavors, making it a true staple in my family's breakfast rotation.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Sausage Casserole: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Veggie-Loaded Casserole: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheesy Supreme Casserole: Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack, for a richer, more flavorful casserole.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – your mornings (and your family) will thank you for it!
