Name: Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Morning Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 9-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 10 large eggs; 1 cup milk (whole milk is best for richness); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend), divided; Cooking spray

Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: the ultimate crowd-pleasing breakfast that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese all baked together in a comforting casserole. This isn't just breakfast; it's an experience.

Casseroles, in general, have a long and storied history as a convenient and economical way to feed families and gatherings. They represent resourcefulness and the joy of sharing a hearty meal. While the exact origins of the Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole are a bit hazy, its popularity speaks volumes about its deliciousness and practicality. It's a modern twist on classic breakfast flavors, perfectly suited for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.

What makes this dish so beloved? It's the symphony of textures and tastes! The crispy, golden-brown hashbrowns provide a delightful crunch, while the savory sausage adds a rich, meaty depth. The creamy eggs and melted cheese bind everything together in a harmonious blend of flavors. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, freeing up your time to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply want a satisfying and flavorful breakfast, this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
10 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole milk is best for richness)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend), divided
Cooking spray

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

First, we need to brown our sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of sausage as it cooks.
Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy. You can use a spoon to carefully remove the grease, or you can drain the sausage in a colander lined with paper towels.
Now, add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The onions should become translucent and the peppers should be slightly tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. We'll be using this mixture later.

Preparing the Hash Browns:

While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, let's prepare the hash browns. Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed. If they're still frozen, they won't cook properly in the casserole. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use the microwave to thaw them quickly. Just be careful not to overcook them in the microwave.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the hash browns. This will help bind the hash browns together and add flavor.

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

In a separate large bowl, crack the 10 large eggs. Whisk them together until they are light and frothy. This will ensure that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
Add the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl with the eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined. The milk will add moisture to the casserole, and the spices will add flavor.

Assembling the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish. Make sure to coat the entire dish, including the sides.
Spread the hash brown and cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press down gently to create a compact layer. This will form the base of the casserole.
Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the hash brown layer. Spread it out evenly so that it covers the entire surface.
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable layer. Make sure the egg mixture covers all of the ingredients in the dish. You may need to use a spoon to gently distribute the egg mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a cheesy and golden-brown crust.

Baking the Casserole:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. The center of the casserole should be firm to the touch, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from burning.
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up properly and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Storing:

To serve, cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. You can serve it as is, or you can add toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.
Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole is also freezer-friendly. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage and vegetable mixture for a little heat.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes.
Use different cheese: You can use any type of shredded cheese that you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or cooked mushrooms.
Add a layer of biscuits: For a heartier casserole, add a layer of refrigerated biscuit dough to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the hash browns.
Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Individual casseroles: Pour the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
Use sweet potatoes: Substitute the hash browns with shredded sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Add some herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add a fresh flavor to the casserole. Sprinkle them on top after baking.
Make it gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the sausage and any added seasonings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 450-550 per serving
Protein: 25-35g
Fat: 30-40g
Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy your delicious Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your weekend brunch rotation. The combination of savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect dish for feeding a hungry family, impressing guests at a brunch gathering, or even prepping ahead for easy weekday breakfasts. Trust me, once you try it, you'll understand why I'm so enthusiastic! But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, try using chorizo instead of sausage and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're a vegetarian, you can easily substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. For a cheesy explosion, consider adding a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before baking. Serving suggestions are endless! This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra zing. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice, or even a mimosa for a celebratory brunch. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch. You can even crumble it up and use it as a filling for breakfast burritos! I truly believe this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty and delicious breakfast. It's easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience breakfast bliss! I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I'm always eager to see your culinary creations and learn from your experiences. Let's build a community of breakfast casserole enthusiasts! Don't be shy – let me know how your Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole turned out! Happy cooking!