Name: Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole - Easy Beef Sausage Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sausage; 6 green onions, white and green parts divided and chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 10 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce (optional); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups (18 ounces total) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole. Ah, the mere mention of this dish evokes a sense of cozy mornings, the comforting aroma of breakfast wafting through the house, and the sheer joy of a meal that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying. It’s no wonder the Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole has become a beloved staple for so many of us. We adore it because it’s the ultimate make-ahead marvel, meaning you can reclaim your precious weekend mornings without sacrificing a delicious, home-cooked start to the day. What truly makes this casserole special is its perfect balance of savory goodness – think tender breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and a generous helping of melty cheese, all nestled together in a rich, creamy base. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it ideal for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or even just a treat for yourself on a lazy Sunday. Get ready to discover your new go-to for effortless, delicious mornings.

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage
6 green onions, white and green parts divided and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
10 large eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1-2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups (18 ounces total) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

First things first, we need to get our flavorful base ready. Grab a large skillet and brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spoon or spatula to break it up into crum extractbles. This ensures even cooking and delicious, bite-sized pieces throughout the casserole. Once the sausage is fully cooked through and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease. We want all that savory sausage flavor, but not an oil slick! Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining fat. While the sausage is draining, it’s time to get our vegetables prepped. Take your chopped red bell pepper and the white parts of your green onions. You’ll want to sauté these in the same skillet you used for the sausage (no need to clean it – the residual sausage flavor is a bonus!). Add a tiny splash of oil if needed, and cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and become fragrant. This process helps to mellow out their flavor and release their natural sweetness. Once softened, add these cooked vegetables to the plate with the sausage. Now, for the green parts of the green onions, we’ll set those aside for now; they’ll add a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.

Assembling the Casserole Base

Now that our sausage and vegetables are prepped and slightly cooled, it’s time to build the foundation of our Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned breakfast sausage, the sautéed red bell pepper, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Give everything a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Next, we’ll add the thawed frozen shredded hash browns. It’s really important to make sure your hash browns are fully thawed; this will prevent any icy pockets in your casserole and ensure they cook through properly. Gently fold the hash browns into the sausage and vegetable mixture. You don’t want to mash them, just incorporate them so they’re well-distributed amongst the other ingredients. Now, let’s get to the cheesy goodness. Take about half of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese – that’s 1.5 cups – and sprinkle it over the hash brown mixture. Again, gently toss everything together. The cheese will start to melt slightly as it mixes, creating little pockets of deliciousness.

Crafting the Egg Mixture

This is where we bring it all together and create that custardy, rich base that makes breakfast casseroles so irresistible. In a separate, good-sized mixing bowl, crack all 10 large eggs. Don’t be shy; we need them to bind everything together beautifully. Whisk the eggs vigorously until the yolks and whites are thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. Now, let’s add the liquid. Pour in the 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream. The cream is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture that’s so characteristic of a fantastic breakfast casserole. Next, whisk in the tablespoon of Dijon mustard. The Dijon adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the richness of the eggs and cream beautifully, without being overpowering. If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want a hint of spice, now’s the time to add your 1-2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a bit of a kick. Finally, season the mixture generously with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s all well incorporated and the seasonings are evenly distributed. This egg mixture is the glue that holds our entire casserole together, so make sure it’s perfectly seasoned.

Combining and Baking the Casserole

With all our components ready, it’s time for the grand assembly. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent our delicious creation from sticking. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, vegetable, and hash brown mixture in the baking dish. Gently spread it out with a spatula so that it covers all the ingredients. Don’t worry if some of the hash browns peek through; that’s perfectly fine. Now, sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the entire casserole. This cheesy topping will bake into a glorious, golden crust. At this point, you can cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. We’ll bake it initially covered to allow the casserole to cook through evenly and prevent the top from browning too quickly. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This initial baking time ensures the eggs set properly without drying out.

The Final Bake and Serving

After 45 minutes of baking, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. You’ll notice the casserole is starting to puff up and firm up. Now, we want to get that beautiful golden-brown topping. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. You might see some light browning on the edges of the hash browns, which adds a lovely texture. Once it’s done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial; it allows the casserole to set fully, making it much easier to cut into neat, presentable portions and prevents it from being too runny. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chopped green parts of the green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, holidays, or even a hearty weeknight dinner. It reheats beautifully too, making leftovers a treat!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this delicious Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is a fantastic way to kickstart any morning, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheese, and the satisfying crunch of bread makes it a truly comforting dish. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd, or simply want to treat yourself to an extraordinary breakfast, this casserole delivers every time.

For serving, consider pairing it with a fresh fruit salad, some crispy beef bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream. It also stands wonderfully on its own! If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat, or add in some sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to make this Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole your own!

I encourage you to give this recipe a try. The ease of preparation and the incredible taste make it a winner. It’s the perfect example of why simple, well-loved recipes endure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What are some good vegetarian variations?

For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage. You can replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced bell peppers, or even crum extractbled vegetarian sausage for a similar savory element.