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Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

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A delicious and budget-friendly breakfast casserole featuring a crispy hashbrown base, creamy cheesy layers, and hearty fillings, perfect for brunch gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients

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  • 3032 oz Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns, thawed & drained
  • 12 Large Eggs
  • 1 ½ cups Whole Milk (or Half-and-Half)
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Breakfast Sausage
  • ½ cup Finely Diced Yellow Onion
  • ½ cup Finely Diced Green Bell Pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing dish)

Instructions

  1. Thaw Hashbrowns: Begin by thawing the hashbrowns completely. Drain them thoroughly by squeezing out excess moisture with a clean towel. Then, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  3. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef breakfast sausage over medium-high heat. Break it into small crumbles and drain any excess grease.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Sauté the finely diced onion and green bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Set aside.
  5. Season Hashbrowns: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the drained hashbrowns. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Form the Base: Press approximately two-thirds of the seasoned hashbrowns evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a solid base.
  7. Layer It Up: Spread the cooked beef sausage, sautéed onions, and bell peppers evenly over the hashbrown base. Then, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  8. Add Remaining Hashbrowns: Gently scatter the remaining seasoned hashbrowns over the cheese layer.
  9. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk all 12 large eggs until the yolks and whites are well combined and slightly frothy.
  10. Combine with Milk: Whisk in 1 ½ cups of whole milk, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper until well mixed.
  11. Pour and Top: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layering. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  12. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  13. Final Bake: Remove the foil after 30 minutes and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the center fully set (a knife inserted comes out clean).
  14. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with different vegetables or cheeses, and allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

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