This Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish packed with eggs, sausage, and a mix of colorful veggies. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with friends and family!
You can whip this up the night before, and the next morning, just pop it in the oven. I love it with a dash of hot sauce on top—gives it that extra kick! 🌶️🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is the star of the show! You can use pork sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, swap it out for plant-based sausage crumbles!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and egg substitutes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you want something milder, you can use regular cheddar or mozzarella. Or, mix cheeses like Monterey Jack for a twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add freshness, but if you don’t have them, diced bell peppers or spinach work great too. They’ll still keep it colorful and flavorful!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred, but you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess water before adding it.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the baking time right can be tricky, so here’s how to nail it:
- Check for a firm center when you gently shake the dish. It should not jiggle. If it does, give it more time.
- Keep an eye on the cheese. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining time.
- Set a timer for the lower end of the baking range. You can always add more time but you can’t take it out once it’s overcooked!
Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes slicing easier and gives the flavors a chance to settle.
Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For The Baking Dish:
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Breakfast Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes from start to finish! Let it cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking. This is an important step!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and soft and the kitchen smells amazing!
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped spinach, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir it all together until nicely combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the delicious egg mixture into your greased baking dish. Evenly scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Then, add the remaining cheddar cheese over everything for that cheesy goodness!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when it’s set and the top is golden brown, it’s ready to come out!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once removed from the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes for easier slicing. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Now you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy your warm, hearty Cowboy Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings!
Can I Use A Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or a bit of cheese on top for extra creaminess!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them small and sauté them briefly before mixing them into the egg mixture for the best texture and flavor.
