Homemade Southwest Breakfast Casserole

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Loaded with bold flavors and a hearty texture, this Southwest Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to kickstart your morning. Featuring seasoned sausage, vibrant bell peppers, black olives, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese, every bite offers a balance of savory, spicy, and creamy goodness. It’s a one-pan breakfast marvel that feeds a crowd, making it perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or make-ahead meal prep.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich flavor profile but also in its convenience. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need a hassle-free breakfast option for a busy week, this casserole delivers on both taste and practicality. Pop it in the oven, and let it bake to golden perfection while you enjoy your morning coffee—no standing over a skillet required.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Breakfast Casserole

• Packed with flavor from sausage, green chiles, and spices
• Simple prep, great for make-ahead or feeding a group
• Customizable with your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses
• Naturally gluten-free and high in protein
• Reheats well for weekday breakfasts or snacks

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole successfully and efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This ensures even baking and plenty of room for all your layers.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking eggs and combining ingredients evenly.
• Whisk or Fork: To beat the eggs until fluffy and fully mixed.
• Skillet: For browning sausage and sautéing vegetables.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping the vegetables and sausage.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate seasoning and portioning.

Each of these tools helps streamline the cooking process, minimize mess, and ensure your casserole cooks evenly and tastes amazing.

Preparation Tips

When preparing your Southwest Breakfast Casserole, make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly and drain any excess grease before adding it to your mix—this helps avoid a greasy texture. Chop your vegetables into small, even pieces so they cook evenly and blend well in each bite. If you’re prepping ahead of time, assemble everything the night before and cover the dish tightly with foil or wrap; refrigerate overnight, and bake it fresh the next morning. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it can set properly before slicing. This gives you clean, structured portions that look as great as they taste.

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Ingredients for this Southwest Breakfast Casserole

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 10 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (yellow or red)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (drained)
• 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for more Southwest flavor)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy edge.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. This enhances their flavor and texture in the casserole.

Step 4: Combine the Base Layer

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, black olives, and green chiles. Mix well, then evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Egg Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin (if using). Stir in about 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable layer in the baking dish. Gently shake or tap the dish to help the egg mixture settle into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time—just assemble the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate until morning. It’s also flexible: swap out the sausage for ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute, or use different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach depending on what you have on hand. For extra richness, you can even stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese into the egg mixture before baking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not draining the sausage: Excess grease can lead to a soggy or greasy casserole.
• Skipping the sauté: Cooking the veggies before baking enhances their flavor and prevents them from releasing too much moisture into the dish.
• Not thawing hash browns: Frozen hash browns can release water and lead to uneven cooking.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 10 minutes. Overbaking can cause a rubbery texture.
• Under-seasoning: Since eggs absorb a lot of flavor, don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and seasoning.

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Storage Instructions

Once fully cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave on medium heat for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of casserole)
Calories: ~290 kcal
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 195mg
Sodium: 580mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative like soy crumbles or chopped mushrooms.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but you’ll need to grate and squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes before using them.

How far in advance can I prep this?

You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Feel free to include spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, or anything else you enjoy.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses melt well and offer great flavor. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (like sausage and hash browns) are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two 9×13 baking dishes or one larger casserole dish and extend the baking time slightly.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set and not jiggly, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

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Conclusion

The Homemade Southwest Breakfast Casserole is your all-in-one breakfast solution that delivers flavor, protein, and convenience. With simple ingredients and a crowd-pleasing taste, it’s ideal for holidays, meal prep, or whenever you need a hearty, comforting start to your day. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a satisfying breakfast that’s ready when you are.

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