Slow Cooker South Western Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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Ever wanted something a bit more filling for breakfast?  Something that could feed everyone around the table without having to have loads of pans and a chaotic morning?  That’s where a slow cooker breakfast casserole comes in! 

And this Slow Cooker South Western Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole combines the elements of a great breakfast with the ease of a slow cooker.  Let’s get cracking.

What is a Breakfast Casserole?

Casseroles have been around since the 1950s, both the dish and the recipe.  The idea was simple – you popped some tasty ingredients into a rectangular baking dish and popped them in the oven.  Casseroles come in all shapes, sizes and styles and were a go-to dish for homes for decades.

Because we like to expand on things, we soon started to make casseroles with more than just the basic ingredients such as beef or chicken.  There are pasta casseroles and ones made with potatoes, topped with cheese or breadcrumbs and featuring wine or even juice.

Finally, we have the breakfast casserole!  Combining the classic casserole approach with a range of breakfast suitable ingredients, this is a tasty and filling way to start the day.  Plus, it is a great make ahead and reheat dish or one you can make in a big portion and freeze. They have become popular any time from Christmas morning breakfast so a great way to start a weekday for the whole family.

Ingredients

• Mild bulk sausage: Opt for high-quality sausage from a reliable butcher to ensure rich flavor and avoid excess fat. Look for mild options if you are sensitive to spice.
• Shredded hash browns: Pre-packaged hash browns can save you time, but freshly shredded potatoes will deliver superior texture and taste.
• Ground cumin: This aromatic spice adds a hint of warmth and earthiness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic powder: Perfect for adding a subtle hint of garlic without the harshness of fresh cloves.
• Medium red bell peppers: Fresh red peppers add a pop of color and a sweet, mild crunch to the dish.
• Large eggs: Source organic, free-range eggs for a more ethical choice and a richer flavor.
• Chipotle powder: This adds a smoky, spicy kick to the casserole. Adjust the quantity based on your tolerance for heat.
• Sea salt: Choose a high-quality sea salt for seasoning; it’s less processed and can add a more nuanced flavor than regular table salt.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper offers a superior flavor compared to pre-ground varieties.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, gooey finish to the casserole.

Optional Toppings: Chopped green onions, red pepper, fresh cilantro, and/or additional shredded cheese

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

• Mild bulk sausage: If you’re vegetarian or just want to cut down on meat, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative. Just be sure to choose a version that’s not heavily seasoned, as you’ll be adding your own spices. You can also use other meat such as turkey sausage.
• Shredded hash browns: For a healthier twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They’re equally tasty and packed with vitamins.
• Ground cumin and Garlic powder: Feel adventurous with your spices? Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of ground coriander for a unique flavor twist.
• Medium red pepper: You can swap out the red pepper for any bell pepper color of your choice or even mix and match for a beautiful color variety.
• Large eggs: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, try using a flax egg or a store-bought egg substitute.
• Sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese: For a different taste, try using a mix of Swiss cheese and Gouda. For a dairy-free version, there are plenty of vegan cheeses available on the market.
• Optional Additions: Consider adding some diced jalapenos for extra heat, or black beans for extra protein. A sprinkle of fresh corn kernels would also provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the casserole.

Instructions

Coat the crock of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or grease it with melted butter or coconut oil).

Brown the sausage in a large skillet for about 8-10 minutes. Take it off the heat and carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Set it aside.

Evenly distribute the hash browns at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the browned sausage on top and sprinkle with ground cumin and garlic powder.

Include the diced red pepper and season with salt and black pepper according to your preferences.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs and water. Pour the mixture evenly over the other ingredients, then sprinkle with shredded cheese on top.

Cook covered on low heat for 3-4 hours. Serve right away, garnished with green onion, red pepper, fresh cilantro, and/or extra shredded cheese, if desired.

Storage & reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven.

Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Do everything up until the step where you would put it in the oven, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake.

Freezing: This is a great recipe that freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. After allowing the cooked casserole to cool completely, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. 

You can also place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe zip-top bag for extra protection. Stored properly, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top, if desired.

Recipe FAQ

Slow Cooker Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Yield: 6-8 portions

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Sausage Browning Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Try this classic south-western twist on the breakfast casserole made with hash browns and cooked in the slow cooker

Print

Ingredients

• 16 oz. mild bulk sausage (no casings)
• 1 20-oz. bag hash browns, shredded
• ½ t. ground cumin
• ½ t. garlic powder
• 1 medium red pepper, finely chopped
• 8 large eggs
• ½ c. water
• ¼ t. chipotle powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1 c. Monterey Jack (or other mild white) cheese, finely shredded

Optional Garnish:

Toggle ingredient group

• Chopped green onions, red pepper, fresh cilantro, and/or additional shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker crock with non-stick cooking spray (or grease with melted butter or coconut oil).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet until nicely browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully drain excess grease from the skillet. Set aside.
3. Spread hash browns in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker crock. Add the browned sausage and sprinkle the ground cumin and garlic powder on top.
4. Add the chopped red pepper and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. 
5. Whisk the eggs and water together in a large bowl and pour evenly across the top of the other ingredients before topping with the shredded cheese.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve immediately topped with green onion, red pepper, fresh cilantro, and/or additional shredded cheese, if desired.

Notes

• You may need to adjust the time on this hash brown breakfast casserole depending on the model of slow cooker that you have – some, like the Instant Pot, tend to cook quicker.  So, make sure you keep an eye on it the first time you make the recipe.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients. The flavor of fresh potatoes, peppers, and eggs is superior to their frozen or canned counterparts.
• Cheese Top Layer: Save some of your cheese to add on top of your casserole about 10 minutes before it’s finished cooking. This will create a delicious, bubbly, and browned cheese topping.
• Spice to Taste: Remember that you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away. Start with a small amount of chipotle powder and add more to taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 580Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 252mgSodium: 1188mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 23g