Description
A savory, cheesy breakfast-for-dinner casserole that is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. It features crispy hash browns, browned sausage, and a rich egg custard, offering a comforting meal that is easy to assemble and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (sweet Italian or mild pork)
- 8 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped, optional)
- Hot sauce (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add diced onion in the last 2 minutes to soften. Drain excess grease and blot with paper towels if necessary.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, milk (if using, though not explicitly listed in ingredients, implied by custard consistency or omitted if sticking strictly to list), garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and frothy.
- Add thawed hash browns to the egg mixture and stir gently to coat. Fold in the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Add half of the shredded cheese and mix gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the custard to set. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Notes
Thaw hash browns completely and pat dry to prevent a watery casserole. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure it holds together. Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage hash brown casserole, meal prep, weeknight dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner