Introduction
A cowboy breakfast casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal on a lazy weekend morning. This delicious casserole combines classic breakfast ingredients like eggs, sausage, cheese, and potatoes, all baked together to perfection. Whether you are hosting a brunch gathering or simply looking to treat yourself to a special breakfast, this cowboy breakfast casserole is sure to impress.
One of the great things about a cowboy breakfast casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adding in your favorite ingredients or making substitutions to cater to dietary restrictions. This dish is also a fantastic make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients you need, the steps to prepare a delicious cowboy breakfast casserole, explore some variations to try, share helpful tips for success, and wrap up with a conclusion highlighting the beauty of this classic breakfast dish.
Ingredients
To make a scrumptious cowboy breakfast casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of breakfast sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 8 large eggs
– 1 cup of milk
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of frozen hash browns, thawed
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened.
3. Spread the thawed hash browns in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage, onion, and peppers.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sausage and vegetable layer in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious cowboy breakfast casserole!
Variations
There are endless ways to customize your cowboy breakfast casserole to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
– Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
– Use turkey sausage or bacon instead of pork sausage
– Include diced tomatoes or spinach for added freshness
– Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack
Feel free to get creative and make this breakfast casserole your own by incorporating your favorite ingredients.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cowboy breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time:
– Make sure to fully cook the sausage and vegetables before assembling the casserole to ensure everything is evenly cooked.
– Thaw the hash browns completely before layering them in the baking dish to prevent them from becoming soggy.
– For a make-ahead option, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning as directed.
– Serve the casserole with a side of salsa, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor and freshness.
Conclusion
A cowboy breakfast casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together all the classic breakfast flavors in one delicious bake. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or simply looking to enjoy a special breakfast treat, this casserole is a fantastic choice. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and customizable nature, it is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in the cowboy breakfast casserole?
A: Yes, you can substitute frozen diced vegetables for fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole.
Q: How long will the cowboy breakfast casserole last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the cowboy breakfast casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool the casserole completely, portion it out, and freeze in individual servings.
cowboy breakfast casserole
A hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole that combines classic ingredients like eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns baked to perfection. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound breakfast sausage
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1 onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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8 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 package frozen hash browns, thawed
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened.
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Spread thawed hash browns in the baking dish. Top with cooked sausage, onion, and peppers.
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Whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sausage and vegetable layer in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until eggs are set and cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
