Name: Easy Beef Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: Butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing; 1 pound beef breakfast sausage; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 4 green onions, chopped, with the white and green parts separated; 10 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons non-alcoholic hot sauce (optional); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (30-ounce) package of frozen, shredded hash browns, thawed

Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly morning, a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for lazy weekend brunches, and a foolproof way to feed a hungry family with minimal fuss. Who doesn’t adore the savory depth of seasoned sausage mingling with fluffy eggs and a medley of delightful additions? This dish has a way of making everyone feel a little bit happier, a little bit more cared for. What truly sets this particular Sausage Breakfast Casserole apart is its incredible versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and even a hint of spice, ensuring a unique and delicious experience every time you whip it up. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished staple, a go-to for those moments when you want something satisfying, deeply flavorful, and utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover your new favorite breakfast tradition!

Ingredients:

Butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 pound breakfast sausage (I like using Jimmy Dean for its savory flavor)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
4 green onions, chopped, with the white and green parts separated
10 large eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, but adds a nice kick!)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 (30-ounce) package of frozen, shredded hash browns, thawed

Preparation and Browning the Sausage

The first step in creating this delicious Sausage Breakfast Casserole is to get your oven preheating and prepare your baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving. Next, we’ll tackle the sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks and continue to cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. This step is important for a less oily casserole and a cleaner flavor profile. Don’t discard all of it; leaving a little bit can add extra flavor to the hash browns later.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Now that our sausage is browned and ready, it’s time to add some vibrant flavor and texture with the vegetables. In the same skillet you used for the sausage (there’s no need to wash it; the residual sausage flavor is a bonus!), add the chopped red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions. If there’s a significant amount of grease left from the sausage, you can carefully drain some of it off, leaving just a tablespoon or two. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have softened slightly. You want them tender but not mushy. This step helps to release their natural sweetness and develop their flavors, which will beautifully complement the sausage and cheese in the final casserole.

Assembling the Base Layers

With our sausage and vegetables prepped, we can start assembling the foundation of our casserole. Take your thawed, shredded hash browns and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Try to create a relatively even layer. Now, spoon the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the hash browns. Distribute them as evenly as possible so you get a bit of everything in each bite. Next, sprinkle about half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (that’s 1 cup) evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture. This cheese will melt and help bind the layers together as the casserole bakes, adding a wonderfully cheesy dimension.

Whisking the Egg Mixture

This is where we bring all the liquid elements together to create the custardy binding for our casserole. In a large bowl, crack all 10 large eggs. Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional hot sauce (if you like a little heat!), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the yolks and whites are completely combined and the mixture is a uniform pnon-alcoholic ale yellow. You want to ensure there are no streaks of egg white remaining. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, while the hot sauce provides a gentle warmth that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously to incorporate a little air, which can lead to a lighter casserole.

Pouring, Topping, and Baking

Now for the final assembly and the moment of truth: baking! Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and vegetable layers in the baking dish. Make sure to get into all the corners. Gently shake the dish if needed to help the egg mixture settle and distribute. Once the egg mixture is poured, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the entire casserole. Finally, scatter the green parts of the chopped green onions over the cheese. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is essential as it allows the casserole to firm up, making it much easier to cut and serve neat portions. Enjoy your homemade Sausage Breakfast Casserole!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating a truly delicious Sausage Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is designed to be both comforting and crowd-pleasing, perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or even a make-ahead meal to simplify busy mornings. The savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative; this casserole is a fantastic canvas for your culinary imagin extractation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I encourage you to give this Sausage Breakfast Casserole a try. You’ll be delighted with the results and the smiles it brings to your table!

For serving, consider pairing this hearty casserole with a fresh fruit salad, some crispy beef bacon, or a side of home fries. It’s also wonderful enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make this Sausage Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is an excellent make-ahead option. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

Q2: What are some variations I can try for this Sausage Breakfast Casserole?

The beauty of this Sausage Breakfast Casserole lies in its versatility! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added vegetables and flavor. You could also swap out the cheese for a different blend like cheddar-jack or pepper jack. For a spicier version, incorporate some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.