A cowboy breakfast casserole is the kind of dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your morning. Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, it’s the ultimate one-pan breakfast that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd after a sleepover, hosting a weekend brunch, or meal-prepping for busy weekdays, this casserole has your back.
This dish layers crispy hash browns, flavorful sausage, sautéed veggies, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese into one bubbling bake that’s both customizable and satisfying. You can make it in advance, switch up the ingredients, or even freeze it for later. Let’s dive into how to make this breakfast essential from scratch—and how to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft the perfect cowboy breakfast casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed
These ingredients provide the foundation for a balanced breakfast filled with savory flavor, protein, and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles using a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened—about 5–6 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spoon the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetables, making sure it spreads evenly.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Easy Variations to Try
The cowboy breakfast casserole is a blank canvas. Here are a few creative variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
Add a Kick
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for heat.
Swap the Protein
- Use bacon, ham, or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Veggie Boost
- Add in spinach, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Cheese Alternatives
- Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.
Make it Tex-Mex
- Stir in a little cumin, chili powder, and black beans. Top with salsa before serving.
These variations let you tailor the dish to your family’s preferences or whatever you have in the fridge.
Tips for Success
Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your casserole come out just right every time:
- Fully cook your meat and vegetables: This ensures they won’t release excess moisture and make the casserole soggy.
- Thaw hash browns completely: Frozen hash browns will water down the casserole and may cause uneven cooking.
- Let it rest after baking: Give it 5–10 minutes to cool before slicing so it holds its shape.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze either the baked or unbaked casserole for later use.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your cowboy breakfast casserole even more, consider serving it with:
- Fresh salsa or hot sauce
- A side of sour cream or guacamole
- A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
- Warm buttermilk biscuits or toast on the side
- A refreshing fruit salad to balance the savory flavors
This casserole is filling enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
There’s a reason this dish is called a cowboy breakfast casserole—it’s rugged, hearty, and built to satisfy. It brings together everything you want in a breakfast: protein, carbs, flavor, and comfort.
It’s a great solution for:
- Holiday mornings
- Meal prep
- Weekend brunches
- Feeding hungry teenagers
- Potlucks and church breakfasts
With just one dish and one bake time, cleanup is easy, and the results are always crowd-pleasing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work just fine. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the casserole.
How long does the casserole keep in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the cowboy breakfast casserole?
Absolutely. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking:
- Before baking: Assemble the dish, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
- After baking: Let the casserole cool, portion it into containers, and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Make sure the sausage doesn’t contain hidden dairy ingredients.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Skip the sausage or use a meat-free alternative. Add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or black beans to keep it hearty.
Final Thoughts
The cowboy breakfast casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, comforting way to start the day. From family brunches to weekday meal prep, it checks all the boxes: easy, versatile, satisfying, and freezer-friendly. Whether you stick with the classic or add your own spin, this casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your breakfast lineup.