Name: Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green); 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin

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Introduction

This Southwest Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering. Packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, and a touch of spice, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

A close-up of a square piece of baked casserole being lifted by a metal spatula held by a woman's hand, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is a chunky, light yellow potato mix, the middle layer is a brown ground meat filling, and the top layer is gooey, melted golden cheese with small bits of green herbs sprinkled over it, all within a white baking dish resting on a blue patterned cloth, set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Add the thawed hash browns, diced bell pepper, onion, green chilies, cooked sausage, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of salsa on top when serving.
Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A thick, square slice of cheesy baked casserole sits on a white plate, showing a golden brown top layer with melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges, dotted with bits of finely chopped green herbs. Below the cheese, there is a rich, textured orange layer mixed with browned crumbles of what looks like seasoned ground meat. The fork holds a small piece of the casserole, revealing another layer of soft, cubed yellow vegetables or potatoes and a moist, orange sauce beneath. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a hint of a blue cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausage and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use vegetarian sausage alternatives for added protein.

What can I substitute for hash browns?

You can use diced cooked potatoes or even cooked quinoa if you prefer a different texture or need a gluten-free option.