If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty breakfast that combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture, this Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly seasoned ground pork sausage, tender sautéed peppers and onions, crispy hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese all baked into a fluffy, eggy casserole — it’s a dish that fills the home with irresistible aromas and promises a warm, crowd-pleasing start to your day. I love how this recipe brings together simple ingredients in such a delicious way, making it an ideal weekend brunch or special occasion breakfast that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, everyday ingredients is the best part because each one adds a crucial element to the final dish. From the savory richness of the sausage to the crisp sweetness of the red bell pepper, every component plays a role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors.
- Ground Pork Sausage: Provides the hearty, savory base with plenty of flavorful fat.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and pops of vibrant color.
- Yellow Onion: Offers aromatic depth and natural sweetness once sautéed.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
- Frozen Hash Browns: Deliver that beloved crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft eggs.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness that ties everything together.
- Large Eggs: Create the fluffy, custardy base holding the casserole in perfect form.
- Whole Milk: Ensures the eggs bake up tender and creamy without drying out.
How to Make Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preparing your workspace: coat a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden and firm.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground pork sausage, diced red bell pepper, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned all the way through and the vegetables have softened. This mixture develops the rich, savory base that flavors the entire casserole.
Step 3: Transfer the Sausage Mixture
Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage and vegetable blend into the prepared casserole dish. Getting rid of excess grease guarantees that the casserole won’t become overly oily and keeps every bite balanced.
Step 4: Layer the Hash Browns and Cheese
Sprinkle the frozen hash browns evenly over the sausage layer — this adds that classic crispy texture. Follow with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts throughout baking, adding creamy richness and that irresistible golden crust on top.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until completely combined. Pour this custardy mixture over the casserole layers in the dish, gently pressing down so everything melds together and soaks up the eggs, which will bind the casserole beautifully as it bakes.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, allowing the eggs to set and the flavors to marry. The foil keeps the moisture locked in so the casserole remains tender inside.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This step lets the top develop a slight golden brown crust and the edges start to pull away from the pan, signaling that your breakfast masterpiece is done.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, slice into hearty portions and garnish with fresh green onions or your favorite herbs for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the bursting flavors in every forkful of this Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and contrast to the dish’s rich, savory layers. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado for extra creaminess and texture.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more indulgent brunch, crispy bacon or buttered toast on the side complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or bake it in muffin tins for grab-and-go breakfast bites. For a festive twist, top each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of salsa to add a splash of color and a punch of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 325°F oven until heated through. This will keep the casserole moist and give it a freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap pork sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preferences. Just be mindful of the seasoning and moisture content as it may slightly alter the final taste and texture.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns before using?
No need! Using frozen hash browns straight from the bag works perfectly. They bake right into the casserole, providing that lovely crispy bite without extra prep.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can substitute with 2% or skim milk, but whole milk helps make the eggs extra creamy and tender. For a richer flavor, half-and-half or cream works well, too, but expect a denser casserole.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies. Sauté them along with the bell peppers and onions to soften before mixing into the casserole.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe holds up well for breakfasts throughout the week. It’s easy to portion out and reheat for a quick, satisfying start to busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
Give this Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe a try and discover a new favorite that’s both comforting and versatile. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cozy morning all to yourself. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will become a staple in your breakfast rotation too!
Print
Breakfast Sausage Hash Browns Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Breakfast Casserole combining savory ground pork sausage, tender sautéed vegetables, crispy hash browns, and creamy cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with eggs and milk for a comforting morning meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 Pound Ground Pork Sausage
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Deseeded and Diced
- 1 Cup Yellow Onion, Diced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 Cup Frozen Hash Browns
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 6 Large Eggs
- 2 Cups Whole Milk
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage, diced red bell pepper, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain and Transfer: Drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish.
- Add Hash Browns and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the frozen hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture in the casserole dish.
- Mix Eggs and Milk: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the six large eggs and two cups of whole milk until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine and Pour: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the ingredients in the casserole dish. Gently mix slightly with a spatula to combine all layers.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This will brown the top and ensure the eggs are fully cooked through.
- Check and Serve: The casserole is ready when the eggs are completely set, the top is lightly browned, and the edges pull away from the sides of the pan. Slice into six servings, garnish with chopped green onion if desired, and enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole!
Notes
- Using frozen hash browns helps add a crisp texture and ease of preparation.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your preferred cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- To make this dish faster, prepare the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate; assemble and bake in the morning.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using turkey sausage and low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
