Breakfast Sausage Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns is a hearty and satisfying way to start your day. Loaded with savory sausage, melted cheddar, and tender vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 450 grams breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 900 grams frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 240 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- 60 milliliters milk or unsweetened lactose-free alternative
- 8 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until thoroughly browned, breaking apart the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Step 5: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the sausage and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over it.
- Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over all ingredients in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish to help the egg mixture settle.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 9: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired, then serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole the night before, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- Adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce can give the casserole a spicy kick.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and use them instead. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before layering to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole without meat?
Absolutely. You can omit the sausage and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, to keep it flavorful and hearty.
Print
Breakfast Sausage Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns combines savory breakfast sausage, tender sautéed vegetables, and crispy hash browns all baked together with a rich egg custard and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family brunch or meal prep, it offers a delicious, comforting start to your day with layers of flavor and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 450 grams breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Base and Cheese
- 900 grams frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 240 grams shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 60 milliliters milk or unsweetened lactose-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Vessel: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the cooked sausage in the skillet, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole Base: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the hash browns. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture for a nice cheesy layer.
- Incorporate Egg Custard: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Gently tap or shake the dish to help the egg mixture settle and distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
- Add Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Using thawed hash browns ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before, assembled, and refrigerated, then baked in the morning for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash browns, breakfast sausage, egg casserole, easy breakfast, cheesy casserole, brunch recipe
