Easy Breakfast Casserole

Easy Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

8 slices of bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces

¾ pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)

½ cup diced yellow or white onion

¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

1 teaspoon garlic powder (or granulated garlic)

1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

3 cups shredded cheese (use a blend like cheddar and pepper jack)

10 large eggs

1 cup whole milk (or 2% if preferred)

Sliced green onions or fresh chives, for garnish

Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

Cook the Bacon

In a large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the breakfast sausage, diced onions, and red peppers. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened.

Remove from skillet and set aside with the bacon.

Cook the Hash Browns

Drain the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease for flavor. Add thawed shredded hash browns along with granulated garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for a few minutes, stirring gently, until the hash browns begin to crisp slightly.

Note: If you’re using a separate baking dish, transfer the cooked hash browns into the greased dish at this point.

Whisk the Eggs

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and fully combined.

Layer the Casserole

Evenly distribute the cooked sausage, vegetables, and bacon over the hash browns. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top. Then pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire skillet.

Bake the Casserole

Place the skillet on the middle oven rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.

Add Final Cheese Layer

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or chives before serving. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.