Pioneer Woman Cooks Breakfast: The Ultimate Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her hearty, family-friendly recipes, and this breakfast casserole is a perfect example of why. This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe is exactly as delicious and comforting as you’d expect – packed with savory sausage, fluffy hash browns, and plenty of cheddar cheese. Having made this countless times for my own family, I can confidently say it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you need to feed a hungry group. If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further – this is it.

If you are a fan of easy breakfast casseroles, you’re in for a treat! Besides this Pioneer Woman’s masterpiece, we have a collection of recipes to explore: from the sophisticated flavors of a Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole to the convenience of a Crockpot Breakfast Casserole. For a classic twist, try our Bisquick Breakfast Casserole, or for a fun and indulgent option, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is always a hit!

The Pioneer Woman’s “Kids Are Home” Casserole: A Breakfast Win

Ree Drummond aptly calls this her “Kids Are Home Casserole,” and it’s easy to see why. This is the dish you pull out when you want to make everyone feel welcome and well-fed. It’s a recipe steeped in family comfort and the joy of having everyone together. What makes this Pioneer Woman Cooks Breakfast recipe so special? It’s undeniably foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you can confidently whip this up and know it will be a success. The beauty of this casserole also lies in its make-ahead convenience.

Imagine preparing everything the night before, especially when family members are arriving at different times. This casserole allows you to have a hot, comforting breakfast ready whenever anyone wakes up. The combination of sausage, hash browns, and cheddar cheese is breakfast perfection, offering all the classic flavors in an easy-to-serve format. Even better, it tastes fantastic at room temperature, making it ideal for those who sleep in or for a relaxed, lingering brunch. And yes, it’s just as delicious when Mom finally gets a chance to sit down and eat! Trust me, this Pioneer Woman cooks breakfast casserole will quickly become a family favorite in your home too.

A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

A delicious slice of Pioneer Woman hash brown breakfast casserole is plated, showcasing the golden-brown top and layers of cheesy goodness, perfect for a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to bring this Pioneer Woman cooks breakfast magic to life:

Breakfast Sausage: Ree Drummond typically uses Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage, and it works wonderfully. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the “Hot” variety is an excellent option.
Green Onions: You’ll use both the white and green parts of the green onions, adding a mild oniony flavor throughout the casserole.
Bell Pepper: Feel free to choose your favorite color! Red or orange bell peppers offer a sweeter and milder flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard for this recipe. Bringing them to room temperature before mixing can help them incorporate more smoothly into the casserole.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps create a creamy texture in the casserole.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, rather than stoneground, is preferred for its smooth texture and tangy flavor.
Tabasco: Tabasco sauce adds a subtle kick and a touch of vinegar, which balances the overall flavor profile. You can substitute your favorite hot sauce if you prefer.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is highly recommended over mild cheddar because it provides a more pronounced cheese flavor that stands up beautifully in the casserole.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are the easiest option. While shredded hash browns are typically preferred, you can experiment with different types. Some stores even offer frozen hash browns with peppers already mixed in for added flavor!
- Keep in mind that chunkier hash browns might require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully heated through. Refrigerated hash browns can also be used.

Essential Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

While this Pioneer Woman cooks breakfast recipe is straightforward, these tips will help you achieve breakfast casserole perfection:

Sauté Your Veggies: It might be tempting to just toss everything into the casserole dish, especially when you’re making breakfast early in the morning. However, sautéing the bell peppers and onions while cooking the sausage is a crucial step. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and mellows any potential bitterness, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic: Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes! One of the greatest advantages of this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is that you can assemble it completely ahead of time. Prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the instructions. Just remember not to place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to avoid thermal shock. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes while the oven preheats.

Frozen Hash Browns: To Thaw or Not To Thaw?

Yes, it’s important to thaw frozen hash browns before adding them to the casserole. Using them frozen introduces extra moisture, which can throw off the recipe’s consistency and prevent the casserole from setting properly. Thawing ensures the right texture and prevents a soggy casserole.

pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close up

A close-up shot of the Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole highlights the browned sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy hash browns, emphasizing the savory and comforting texture of the dish.

Recipe Variations to Personalize Your Casserole

Want to put your own spin on this Pioneer Woman cooks breakfast classic? Here are a few delicious variations:

Make it Bacon! Swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked, chopped bacon. Or, for an even richer flavor, use a combination of both bacon and sausage!
Spice it Up! Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce. For fresh heat, add a minced jalapeño pepper when you sauté the bell pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice warmth.
Cheese Swap! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamy flavor.

Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since it contains eggs, it will keep well for 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions: Yes, you can freeze this casserole! For individual portions, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole slices will last for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete brunch spread. Consider serving it with:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
Maple Pecan Scones: For a touch of sweetness, Maple Pecan Scones are a delightful addition.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: If you’re embracing indulgence, a Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a decadent treat.
Coffee Cakes: Choose from Blueberry Coffee Cake, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or Bisquick Coffee Cake for a sweet and crumbly side.
Salads: Add a fresh and vibrant salad to balance the meal. Options like Portillo’s Chopped Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Salad, Mediterranean Salad, 7 Layer Salad, 1905 Salad, KFC Coleslaw, Pineapple Coleslaw, or classic Carrot Salad all complement the casserole beautifully.

More Breakfast and Brunch Recipe Inspiration

Looking for more delicious breakfast and brunch ideas? Explore our extensive collection of recipes to find your next favorite!

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Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

This recipe card provides a quick summary of the ingredients and instructions for the Pioneer Woman’s famous breakfast casserole.

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is packed with savory sausage, hash browns, and cheese—all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked breakfast in one easy-to-serve dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings
Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage
6 green onions, chopped, white and green parts divided
1 red bell pepper, chopped
10 large eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1-2 teaspoons Tabasco, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (3 12-ounce packages)
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Break the sausage into small pieces while cooking, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and about half of the remaining green parts of the scallions (reserve the rest for garnish).
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, and the cooked sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until the center is set and the top is lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions.

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