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

Scale

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