Sausage Hashbrown Casserole

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. This comforting casserole combines savory breakfast sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and creamy eggs, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and a hint of spice from diced green chilis. It's an easy-to-make meal that's sure to please a crowd. Let's explore the ingredients you'll need to create this satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• Ground Breakfast Sausage: 2 lbs, cooked until browned, providing a flavorful and savory base.
• Frozen Hashbrown Potatoes: 2 lbs, lightly browned and mostly defrosted for a crispy texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, adding a rich, cheesy layer to the casserole.
• Large Eggs: 9, whisked into the mixture for a creamy and fluffy texture.
• Milk: 2 cups, to blend with the eggs and add creaminess.
• Diced Green Chilis: 1 can, drained, adding a mild kick and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp, for a savory and aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder: ½ tsp, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is ready when you're done preparing the casserole.

Step 2:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground breakfast sausage until it is completely browned. Break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add the frozen hashbrowns and cook them until they are lightly browned and mostly defrosted, about 8-10 minutes. This step helps give the hashbrowns a nice texture in the casserole.

Step 4:

Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Evenly layer the cooked hashbrowns at the bottom of the dish, creating a base for the casserole.

Step 5:

Spread the browned sausage over the layer of hashbrowns. This adds a savory layer to the casserole.

Step 6:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage. Follow this by evenly distributing the drained diced green chilis on top of the cheese layer.

Step 7:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will form the custard-like base of the casserole.

Step 8:

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients.

Step 9:

Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set and the top is lightly browned. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.