Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Family Brunch Recipe

Ree Drummond’s breakfast casserole, famously known as the Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole, is a family favorite for good reason. This recipe, straight from the Pioneer Woman herself, has graced our breakfast table countless times, and it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect hearty start to any day, effortlessly feeding everyone with its comforting flavors and easy preparation. Just like Ree, we adore this recipe and are excited to share why it’s a must-try for your family too.

If you’re a casserole enthusiast like us, be sure to explore some of our other beloved breakfast casserole recipes after trying this Pioneer Woman classic. From the sophisticated flavors of a Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole to the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, we have a casserole to suit every taste. For a quick and simple option, our Bisquick Breakfast Casserole is a lifesaver, and for pure indulgence, you can’t beat a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole – because who can resist tater tots?

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

Ree Drummond aptly calls this her “Kids Are Home Casserole,” and it truly shines when you have the joy of gathering your family under one roof. This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe has been a staple in our home for years, and its foolproof nature is incredibly reassuring, especially when you’re feeding a hungry bunch with varied wake-up times.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its make-ahead convenience. Preparing it the night before is a game-changer, especially when family members are arriving from different places. You can have a warm, comforting breakfast ready whenever the early risers emerge. Packed with savory sausage, golden hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers all the comforting elements of a home-cooked breakfast in a single, easy-to-serve dish.

Slice of Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

Even better, this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole remains delicious at room temperature, or you can gently warm it for those who prefer a hot meal later in the morning. It’s wonderfully forgiving, ensuring that everyone, even Mom who might be last to sit down, can enjoy a satisfying breakfast. This recipe is undoubtedly a favorite in our house, and we’re confident it will become a beloved tradition in yours too.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

Let’s gather the ingredients to create this comforting Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

Breakfast Sausage: For a classic flavor, Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage is an excellent choice. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to use their “Hot” variety. The savory sausage is a key component of this hearty casserole.
Green Onions: We’ll use both the white and green parts of the green onions. The white parts add a mild oniony flavor to the casserole base, while the green parts are perfect for a fresh garnish.
Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color bell pepper. Red or orange bell peppers offer a sweeter and milder flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the casserole together and creating that perfect breakfast bake texture. Make sure to bring your eggs to room temperature before using them for the best results.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture, making the casserole incredibly decadent and satisfying.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, not stoneground, is preferred for its smooth texture. It adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste of the casserole.
Tabasco: A dash of Tabasco hot sauce (or your preferred hot sauce) provides a gentle warmth and a hint of vinegar, balancing the richness of the casserole.
Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings! Properly seasoned salt and pepper are crucial for enhancing all the flavors in this breakfast casserole.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is highly recommended over mild cheddar. Its robust flavor really shines through and adds that signature cheesy goodness to the casserole. We’ll use a generous amount of shredded cheese, divided for layering within and topping the casserole.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are the way to go for convenience. Thaw them before use to avoid excess moisture in your casserole. You can also experiment with different types of hash browns – even those with peppers for an extra flavor boost. If using chunkier hash browns, you might need to extend the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked. Refrigerated hash browns also work wonderfully.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

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

Sauté Your Veggies: It might be tempting to just toss everything together, especially when you’re making this in the morning. However, taking the extra step to sauté your bell peppers and the white parts of the green onions while cooking the sausage is crucial. Sautéing vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and mellows any bitterness, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes! You can absolutely assemble this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole the night before. Simply prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake it according to the recipe directions, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through. Remember to avoid placing a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to prevent cracking; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes while the oven preheats further.

Should You Thaw Hash Browns for Casserole?

Yes, thawing your frozen shredded hash browns is a must for this casserole recipe. Adding frozen hash browns introduces extra moisture, which can throw off the consistency of the casserole and prevent it from baking properly. Thawing ensures the right texture and prevents a soggy bottom.

Close up of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole

Variations to Customize Your Casserole

Want to put your own spin on this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole? Here are some delicious variations to try:

Bacon Lovers’ Delight: Swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked, crispy bacon, or go all out and use a combination of both sausage and bacon for an extra meaty casserole.
Spice It Up: For those who like a bit of heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or hot sauce. You can also add a minced jalapeño pepper along with the bell pepper while sautéing. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the egg mixture will also add a warm kick.
Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy creaminess, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, buttery flavor. A blend of cheeses can also create a unique flavor profile.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Maximize the enjoyment of your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole with these storage tips:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since it contains eggs, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezing for Later: Breakfast casserole freezes beautifully! For individual servings, wrap slices tightly in saran wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole will last for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve with Breakfast Casserole

This Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes for a 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 an irresistible treat.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Continue the casserole theme with a decadent Cinnamon Roll Casserole for an extra special brunch.
Coffee Cakes: Choose from options like Blueberry Coffee Cake, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or Bisquick Coffee Cake for a delightful coffee accompaniment.
Fresh Salads: Balance the hearty casserole with a fresh salad. Options like Portillo’s Chopped Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Salad, Mediterranean Salad, 7 Layer Salad, 1905 Salad, KFC Coleslaw or Pineapple Coleslaw, or even a classic Carrot Salad will add variety and freshness to your brunch menu.

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Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

This easy-to-follow recipe card summarizes everything you need to make the perfect Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole.

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is packed with flavorful sausage, hearty hash browns, and cheesy goodness – the ultimate comfort breakfast in one 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
30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook breakfast sausage, red bell pepper, and white and light green parts of green onions. Break sausage into small pieces while cooking until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir in 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 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 lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the scallions.

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