Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns, Bacon or Sausage!

Ingredients

• 15 ml (1 tablespoon)olive oil
• 454 g (1 pound)diced bacon, chopped, or uncooked sausages with casings removed
• 10 largeeggs
• 240 ml (1 cup)milk, or half-and-half or double cream
• 120 ml (1/2 cup)double cream
• 1 teaspoongarlic powder
• 1 pinchsalt
• 1 pinchcracked black pepper
• 2Roma tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
• 1onion, diced
• 1green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
• about 110 g (1 cup)white Cheddar, grated
• 794 g (28 ounces)frozen shredded hash browns
• about 55 g (1/2 cup)grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dish

   Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly coat an 20 × 30 cm (8 × 12-inch) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. 2

   Brown the meat

   Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon or sausagemeat and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp.

3. 3

   Soften the onion

   Using the same pan and its remaining fat, cook the diced onion for about 3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Take the pan off the heat and let the contents cool slightly.

4. 4

   Mix the filling

   Whisk the eggs with the milk, cream and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix in the cooked meat, onions, tomatoes, green pepper and grated Cheddar.

5. 5

   Assemble and bake

   Spread the frozen hash browns evenly over the base of the prepared dish. Pour the egg mixture over them and scatter the mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the centre is set and the top is golden. Leave it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

What is a breakfast casserole?

A breakfast casserole is an American baked dish that brings familiar breakfast ingredients together in one pan. This version combines shredded potatoes, eggs, meat, vegetables and cheese for a substantial slice that suits brunch as well as breakfast.

The frozen hash browns make the base straightforward to assemble, while the egg mixture binds the layers as they bake. Bacon or sausage gives the dish a savoury centre, and the two cheeses add a browned, melty top.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 402 calories, 27g protein, 23g carbs, 23g fat.

The hash browns and vegetables provide most of the carbohydrates, while the eggs and meat contribute much of the protein. Bacon or sausage, the cooking oil, cream and cheeses account for much of the fat. Balance a slice with fruit or a crisp salad on the side.

Choosing the meat and potatoes

Bacon or sausage: use either, removing sausage casings before cooking. Brown the meat first so it develops colour and some of its fat can flavour the onion.

Hash browns: spread them directly from frozen in an even layer. This avoids a lumpy base and means the potatoes cook in the casserole as it bakes.

Build flavour in the pan

Onion: cook it in the pan used for the meat, where it can pick up the savoury fat. Let it soften rather than brown heavily, then give it a little time to cool before mixing it with the eggs.

Vegetables: the chopped tomatoes and green pepper bring freshness and colour. Deseed the tomatoes and pepper as directed, then chop them so they distribute through the filling.

Mix without scrambling the eggs

Cool slightly: let the cooked meat and onion lose some heat before combining them with the egg mixture. This helps keep the eggs from starting to cook before the dish goes into the oven.

Whisk well: combine the eggs, milk, cream and garlic powder before adding the other filling ingredients. A thorough mix helps the seasonings and vegetables spread through the casserole.

Check the centre for doneness

Set centre: the casserole is ready when the middle no longer looks liquid and holds together when gently checked. The surface should be golden, but colour alone is not a reliable guide to whether the centre has set.

Resting time: leave the baked casserole for a few minutes before slicing. The brief rest makes it easier to serve neat portions while keeping them warm.

Plan for the baking time

Even layers: spread the frozen hash browns across the base before pouring over the egg mixture. This gives the potato layer a consistent depth and helps the filling bake evenly.

Oven time: allow 45–50 minutes uncovered, and check the centre near the end of that range. If it is still loose, continue baking until set rather than relying only on the clock.

What to serve with it

Fresh side: serve slices with fruit or a simple green salad to bring a lighter, crisp contrast to the rich eggs, meat and cheese.

Brunch spread: toast or fresh bread can round out the meal, while the casserole itself is substantial enough to be the main dish.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use the stated 20 × 30 cm baking dish so the filling has a similar depth to the recipe.
• Chop the onion, tomatoes and pepper before starting the cooking steps.
• Use either bacon or sausage, and remove sausage casings before cooking.
• Let the cooked meat and onion cool slightly before adding them to the eggs.
• Spread the hash browns evenly so the base cooks consistently.
• Check the centre for a set texture before taking the casserole out of the oven.

Variations

• Choose sausage: use uncooked sausages with their casings removed in place of the bacon.
• Choose bacon: use chopped bacon for a crisp, savoury filling.
• Swap the milk: use half-and-half in place of the milk for a richer egg mixture.
• Use the cream option: substitute double cream for the milk as directed in the ingredient choices.
• Change the topping: use extra grated Cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper cheese finish.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding hot fillings: they can start cooking the eggs; let the meat and onion cool slightly first.
• Uneven potato layer: it can bake inconsistently; spread the frozen hash browns evenly over the dish.
• Skipping the pan step: raw meat misses the browned flavour; cook it in the frying pan before mixing.
• Judging by the top alone: a golden surface may hide a loose centre; check that the middle is set.
• Cutting straight away: the slices may fall apart; rest the casserole for a few minutes before serving.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container once cooled, and eat within 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until hot throughout; the potato layer may soften after storage.

Frequently asked questions