Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Family Brunch Recipe

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe is exactly as Ree Drummond makes it, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve personally made this dish countless times for my family, and it consistently serves everyone generously and deliciously. We are huge fans of both the casserole and Ree herself!

If you’re a casserole enthusiast like us, be sure to explore some other breakfast casserole recipes that are sure to become new family favorites: goat cheese and prosciutto breakfast casserole, crockpot breakfast casserole, Bisquick breakfast casserole, or for a fun twist, the always-popular tater tot breakfast casserole!

The Perfect “Kids Are Home” Casserole

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is my go-to recipe when I’m lucky enough to have all my kids gathered under one roof. It’s been a family staple for years because it’s truly foolproof. Whenever I make it, I feel confident that everyone will be well-fed, even if breakfast happens at different times for each person.

The real magic of this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time. I often assemble it the night before when my kids start arriving. This way, I can have a hot and comforting breakfast ready for anyone who’s up early – think savory sausage, golden hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese all combined in one easy-to-serve casserole. It’s the essence of a comforting, home-cooked breakfast simplified.

A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

Even at room temperature, this Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole remains delicious (and it’s easy to gently reheat). It’s perfect for those who sleep in or even for Mom when she finally gets a moment to sit down and eat. It’s truly one of my personal favorites, and I’m confident your family will love it just as much.

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole: Key Ingredients

Let’s dive into what makes this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole so special – the ingredients!

Breakfast Sausage: For that classic flavor, I usually reach for Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage. If you prefer a spicier kick, the “Hot” variety works wonderfully.
Green Onions: Don’t forget to use both the white and green parts of the green onions for a depth of flavor.
Bell Pepper: The choice of bell pepper color is yours! I lean towards red or orange peppers as they offer a sweeter, milder taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Eggs: Large eggs are the standard for this recipe. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature before you begin.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, not stoneground, is what you’ll want for a smooth texture.
Tabasco: Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce, but Tabasco’s vinegar-based heat adds a balanced flavor dimension to the casserole.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings! Getting the salt and pepper just right is key to unlocking all the flavors.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar over mild for a more pronounced cheese flavor that really shines through.
Hash Browns: Hash browns come in various forms. I find shredded hash browns work best, but feel free to experiment. You could even try hash browns with frozen peppers for an extra flavor boost! If using chunkier hash browns, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly. Refrigerated hash browns are also a great option.

Essential Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

While it might be tempting to simply toss everything into the casserole dish – especially when you’re making this first thing in the morning – taking a few extra minutes to sauté your veggies while cooking the sausage is really worth it. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and mellows any bitterness, leading to a more balanced flavor profile in your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic: The Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes! One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is its make-ahead convenience. You can fully assemble the casserole, store it in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it the next morning. Just remember to not place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to prevent cracking.

Thawing Hash Browns: Is It Necessary?

Yes, it is recommended to thaw frozen hash browns before adding them to the casserole. Using frozen hash browns can introduce excess moisture, which can alter the recipe’s consistency and outcome.

pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close up

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to personalize your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole? Here are a few tasty variations:

Bacon Lovers Unite! Swap out the sausage for cooked, chopped bacon, or go all out and use a combination of both for a richer, smokier flavor.
Spice It Up! For those who like a little heat, increase the amount of Tabasco or hot sauce, or add a minced jalapeño when you sauté the bell pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a warm spice note.
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 alternative.

Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it contains eggs, it’s best to consume it within 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions: Yes, you can freeze this casserole! For individual portions, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole slices will keep well for 2-3 months.

What to Serve Alongside Your Casserole

This Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole is fantastic as a complete brunch centerpiece. However, if you’re looking to create a more elaborate spread, here are some delicious serving suggestions:

I love to serve this for brunch with a simple fruit salad, or alongside hash brown potatoes for those extra hungry. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding maple pecan scones (they are incredibly delicious!), cinnamon roll casserole, blueberry coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake, or our Bisquick coffee cake.

To balance the richness of the casserole, I like to include a fresh salad. Some of our favorites that pair well are Portillo’s chopped salad, strawberry spinach salad or strawberry salad (both have unique and flavorful dressings), Mediterranean salad, 7 layer salad, 1905 salad, KFC coleslaw or pineapple coleslaw, or a classic carrot salad just like Grandma used to make!

Explore More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Looking for more inspiration for your next breakfast or brunch? We have you covered with a wide variety of delicious recipes to explore!

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Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is packed with savory sausage, hearty hash browns, and plenty of cheddar cheese – all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked breakfast combined 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 (12-ounce package)
1 package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (30 ounce)

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, chopped red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Break the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook 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 the shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to bake until the center of the casserole is set and 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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