Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Look, we’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at 9 a.m. on a weekend, kids (or your roommate, or your own stomach) demanding food, and zero desire to flip 47 pancakes. Enter this ridiculously easy breakfast casserole that basically makes itself while you sip coffee in your pajamas. One pan, zero drama, maximum “wow you made this?!” reactions. Let’s do this.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It’s basically idiot-proof (and trust me, I’m the chief idiot in my kitchen).
• You can prep it the night before if you’re feeling like a responsible adult.
• Feeds a crowd without you breaking a sweat.
• Leftovers? They reheat like a dream and make Monday morning bearable.
• Everyone thinks you’re fancy, but it took you 10 minutes of actual work. Win-win.
  
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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the casserole:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon works too if you’re feeling extra sinful)
• 1 medium onion, diced (or be lazy and use frozen diced onion—no judgment)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green, whatever’s not fuzzy in the veggie drawer)
• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, skim will make it sad)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (because everything needs garlic)
• 4 cups frozen hash browns or shredded potatoes (the cubed kind are my fave)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best—don’t skimp)
• Green onions or parsley for garnish if you wanna look like you tried

Optional but highly recommended:

• Hot sauce (for the adults)
• A sneaky pinch of cayenne if your family can handle spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, actually preheat—don’t be that person.
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Break it up into crumbles. Drain most of the grease (leave a little for flavor, we’re not monsters).
3. Toss in the onion and bell pepper. Cook Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. If you’re lazy, just throw them in raw—still works.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a big bowl until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (or don’t—see if I care, just don’t blame me when it sticks).
6. Spread the frozen hash browns in the bottom of the dish. No need to thaw—magic happens in the oven.
7. Layer the sausage/veggie mixture on top.
8. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
9. Sprinkle ALL the cheese on top because cheese is life.
10. Bake 45–55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden. If you jiggled it and it doesn’t wobble like jelly, you’re golden.
11. Let it rest 5–10 minutes (hardest step, I know). Slice and devour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to grease the pan and then chiseling casserole off like it’s concrete.
• Using low-fat cheese. Just… why?
• Opening the oven 47 times “to check.” You’re letting the heat out, Karen.
• Thinking this serves 4. Double it if you have teenagers.
• Cutting into it immediately. Patience, grasshopper—let it set or you’ll have egg soup.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Vegetarian? Skip the sausage, add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Still slaps.
• No hash browns? Use tater tots (yes really) or diced day-old bread for a strata vibe.
• Dairy-free? Use almond milk and vegan cheese—still good, just different.
• Want it spicy? Throw in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mix.
• Ham instead of sausage? Go for it. Leftover holiday ham was made for this.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover with plastic wrap, and fridge it. Next morning just bake (might need an extra 10 minutes since it’s cold).

Can I freeze it?

Totally. Bake first, cool, slice, then freeze individual pieces. Reheat in microwave or oven. Breakfast for a month, baby.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for greasing?

Technically yes, but why would you hurt me like this?

My kids hate veggies—help!

Dice them super small or just leave them out. The casserole police aren’t coming.

How do I know when it’s really done?

Stick a knife in the center. If it comes out clean (no wet egg), you’re good. Or do the jiggle test.

Can I add bacon on top?

Is the sky blue? YES. Cook it first so it stays crispy.

Is this keto-friendly?

Swap hash browns for cauliflower rice and you’re basically a health guru.

Final Thoughts

There you go—your new go-to breakfast that makes you look like a rockstar without actually trying. Make it once and I guarantee someone will ask “When are you making that casserole again?” (Spoiler: next weekend.) Now go forth, conquer that oven, and eat something delicious. You deserve it. 🧀🥚🔥