This Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish packed with eggs, sausage, and potatoes. It’s baked to golden perfection and makes for a satisfying breakfast or brunch!
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? This casserole has everything you need in one bite, and it’s super easy to whip up. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd—maybe even your whole rodeo crew! 🤠
I enjoy making this casserole on weekends. You just mix everything, bake, and enjoy! Plus, leftovers make for a great quick meal during the week. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is the star of the show! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken sausage works great too. For vegetarians, consider using plant-based sausage or black beans for protein.
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns save time, but you can also use diced fresh potatoes. Just remember to par-cook them first to ensure they’re tender. If you’re short on potatoes, try tater tots for a fun twist!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want a different taste, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a mix of cheeses for a beautiful melty topping.
Eggs: Large eggs are best for fluffiness. If you’re looking to reduce cholesterol, egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and whites can be used without losing too much flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Sausage and Onion?
The sausage and onion combo is so important for flavor! Here’s how to perfect it:
- Heat your skillet to medium before adding the sausage. This helps brown it nicely.
- Stir frequently until the sausage is fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks for even browning.
- As the sausage nears doneness, add the diced onion. Cooking them together lets the onion absorb all the sausage’s flavor.
- Don’t forget to drain excess grease after cooking—this keeps your casserole from being too greasy!
Taking the time to cook these well makes a big difference in your casserole’s taste!
Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and 35-40 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll have this cowboy breakfast casserole ready in about one hour! It’s a perfect dish to make ahead for a busy morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or oil. This helps prevent sticking, making it easier to serve later!
2. Cooking the Sausage and Onion:
Next, heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add your breakfast sausage and diced onion. Cook them together until the sausage is nicely browned and crumbly, and the onion is soft. Remember to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily!
3. Layering the Hash Browns:
Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will form a nice, crispy base for your casserole.
4. Adding the Sausage Mixture:
Now it’s time to add your cooked sausage and onion mix! Distribute it evenly over the layer of hash browns, making sure every bite will have that yummy flavor.
5. Preparing the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Then add in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and if you like a little spice, paprika! Stir to combine well.
6. Mixing in Cheeses and Veggies:
Add in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the egg mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully—it’s going to taste amazing!
7. Pouring It All Together:
Pour this flavorful egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns in your baking dish. It should cover everything nicely.
8. The Final Cheese Topping:
Don’t forget the cheese! Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a gooey, melty finish.
9. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—once the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly, it’s ready to come out!
10. Resting and Slicing:
When it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole hold its shape when you cut into it.
11. Garnishing and Serving:
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Now, slice it up and enjoy your warm, hearty Cowboy Breakfast Casserole!
This savory casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cowboy breakfast into one easy and delicious dish. It’s perfect for any gathering or an indulgent family breakfast!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute breakfast sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or even black beans for added protein.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven for best results.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it, covering it tightly, and refrigerating it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini. Just make sure to sauté any raw veggies first to ensure they’re tender in the casserole.
