Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This easy crockpot breakfast casserole with sausage is perfect for busy mornings. Prepared the night before, it cooks slowly overnight, filling your home with a delicious aroma and ready to serve by breakfast. It’s hearty, cheesy, and sure to please a crowd.

A white shallow bowl holds a thick breakfast casserole with multiple layers. The top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese mixed with browned sausage bits, sprinkled with green herbs. Inside, layers of cooked sausage, light yellow eggs, and soft bread pieces are visible, showing a moist and fluffy texture. The edges of the casserole are browned and slightly crispy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild pork preferred)
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers or spinach
  • Non-stick spray or light grease for crockpot

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Leave a little fat in the pan, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. Stir in salt, black pepper, and any optional smoked paprika or spices you like.
  4. Step 4: Lightly spray the crockpot insert with non-stick spray. Spread the frozen shredded hash browns evenly on the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Layer the browned sausage and sautéed onions on top of the hash browns. Add any optional chopped bell peppers or spinach if using.
  6. Step 6: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours overnight. Try not to lift the lid during cooking to maintain the temperature.
  9. Step 9: In the morning, gently fluff the casserole with a spoon, slice into squares, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or your favorite herbs to the egg mixture.
  • Swap the sausage for cooked bacon or turkey sausage to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Use a larger crockpot if doubling the recipe to ensure even cooking.
  • Add chopped mushrooms or tomatoes along with the onions for more vegetable variety.
  • If you prefer a crustier top, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a thick, round, stuffed bread with one slice removed, revealing its inside layers. The top layer is golden brown with melted cheddar cheese and small browned spots of cooked ground meat and bits of sausage mixed with green herbs. Inside, layers of soft white bread are filled with creamy white sauce mixed evenly with more ground meat and sausage pieces. The bread looks fluffy and moist with a slightly crispy, cheesy crust on top. The round bread sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–55 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and replace it with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add vegetarian sausage for a similar flavor.

Print

Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Recipe

This Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that cooks overnight, allowing you to wake up to a hearty, savory meal. Featuring browned breakfast sausage, shredded hash browns, eggs, cheese, and sautéed onions, this casserole is a convenient and delicious way to start your day without morning hassle.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild pork preferred)
  • 10 large eggs

Dairy

  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Sides

  • 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers or spinach

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Others

  • Non-stick spray or light grease for crockpot

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Leave a little fat in the pan, then add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling.
  3. Mix Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. Add salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or spices if desired.
  4. Prepare Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert lightly with non-stick spray. Layer the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom.
  5. Layer Ingredients: Spread the browned sausage and sautéed onions on top of the hash browns. Add optional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach if using.
  6. Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over everything in the crockpot.
  7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
  8. Cook Overnight: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours overnight. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain even heat.
  9. Serve: In the morning, gently stir the casserole to fluff it up, slice into squares, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables.
  • You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner version.
  • Feel free to add your favorite spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Make sure not to lift the crockpot lid while cooking to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crockpot breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, overnight breakfast recipe, slow cooker breakfast, easy breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole

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