The Ultimate Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has created a breakfast casserole that’s become a family favorite for good reason. This hash brown casserole is not just easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and perfect for feeding a crowd. I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit, disappearing quickly no matter how many hungry mouths I’m feeding. If you’re looking for a surefire breakfast or brunch dish that everyone will love, look no further – this Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole is it.

For those who adore a good casserole, and especially breakfast casseroles, you’re in for a treat. This recipe joins the ranks of other beloved casseroles, offering a comforting and hearty start to any day. Whether you’re already a casserole enthusiast or new to the game, this Pioneer Woman creation is a must-try.

A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

Why This Hash Brown Casserole is a Winner

This recipe is affectionately known in my home as the “Kids Are Home Casserole,” because it’s my go-to dish when I’m lucky enough to have all my family gathered together. It’s been a staple for years, and for good reason: it’s completely foolproof. There’s a comforting certainty that comes with making this casserole – knowing that no matter when everyone decides to wake up and wander into the kitchen, there will be delicious, hot breakfast ready for them.

The real magic of this Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole lies in its make-ahead convenience. I often prepare it the night before, especially when I know my family is arriving from different places. This allows me to relax and enjoy their company, knowing that a warm, comforting breakfast is already prepared for the morning. It’s loaded with all the breakfast favorites – savory sausage, golden hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese – all combined into one easy-to-serve dish. It’s the epitome of home-cooked breakfast comfort, simplified.

Even if breakfast stretches into a leisurely morning, this casserole remains delicious at room temperature, and it’s easily warmed up for those who are last to rise. It’s perfect for accommodating different schedules and ensuring everyone, including Mom, gets to enjoy a hot, satisfying meal. This hash brown casserole from the Pioneer Woman isn’t just a recipe; it’s a family-friendly solution that brings everyone together around the breakfast table. Trust me, your family will love it just as much as mine does.

Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole Ingredients: The Lineup

To create this crowd-pleasing hash brown casserole, you’ll need these simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Breakfast Sausage: For a classic flavor, Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage is a great choice. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to use the “Hot” variety to kick things up a notch.
Green Onions: Use both the white and green parts of the green onions. This adds a mild oniony flavor that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering.
Bell Pepper: You have the freedom to choose your favorite color of bell pepper. Red or orange bell peppers are excellent choices as they offer a sweeter and milder flavor profile compared to green peppers.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard for this recipe. For the best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing the casserole.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the casserole, binding all the ingredients together beautifully.
Dijon Mustard: Opt for regular Dijon mustard for its smooth texture and tangy flavor. Stoneground Dijon might alter the texture slightly, so stick with the classic for this recipe.
Tabasco: A dash of Tabasco hot sauce adds a subtle zing and depth of flavor. If you have another favorite hot sauce, feel free to use that instead. Tabasco’s vinegar base also helps to balance the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. Proper seasoning is key to a delicious final product.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is highly recommended over mild cheddar. Its bolder flavor really shines through and adds that extra cheesy goodness that everyone loves in a hash brown casserole. Make sure it’s shredded for easy melting.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are convenient and work perfectly. They come in various forms, but shredded are ideal for this recipe. You can also experiment with different types, including those with added peppers for an extra layer of flavor. If you use chunkier hash browns, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully heated through. Refrigerated hash browns are also a suitable alternative.

pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close up

Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole

Sauté Your Veggies: It might be tempting to just toss all the ingredients together, especially when you’re making breakfast in the morning rush. However, taking the extra step to sauté your bell pepper and onions while cooking the sausage makes a significant difference. Sautéing brings out the natural sweetness and mellows the sharper flavors of the vegetables, creating a more balanced and richer flavor profile for your casserole. Don’t skip this step!

Make-Ahead Magic: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Assemble Ahead of Time: Yes, you absolutely can prepare this Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole ahead of time. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This is a fantastic time-saver, especially for busy mornings or when you’re hosting brunch.
Baking from Cold: When you’re ready to bake your make-ahead casserole, remember not to place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven. This drastic temperature change can cause the dish to crack. Instead, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. This will help to temper the dish and prevent any breakage.

Do You Need to Thaw Hash Browns?

Thaw Frozen Hash Browns: Yes, it’s crucial to thaw your frozen hash browns before adding them to the casserole mixture. If you add them frozen, the excess moisture they release as they thaw during baking can throw off the consistency of the recipe. Thawed hash browns ensure the casserole bakes properly and maintains the desired texture.

Hash Brown Casserole Variations to Try

Make it Bacon!: For a delicious twist, swap out the sausage for cooked, chopped bacon. Or, for the ultimate breakfast indulgence, use a combination of both sausage and bacon! The smoky bacon flavor adds another layer of deliciousness.
Spice It Up!: If you like a bit of heat, there are several ways to spice up your casserole. Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or your preferred hot sauce. For fresh heat, add a minced jalapeño when you sauté the bell pepper. You can also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the egg mixture for a subtle warmth throughout the casserole.
Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is classic and delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamy alternative. A blend of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile.

Storing and Freezing Your Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: To store leftover hash brown casserole, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Due to the egg content, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal quality and food safety.
Freezing for Later: Yes, you can freeze this casserole! For individual portions, wrap slices tightly in saran wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen casserole will keep for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve with Hash Brown Casserole? Brunch Pairings

This Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when part of a complete brunch spread. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

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, serve alongside maple pecan scones.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: If you’re embracing indulgence, a cinnamon roll casserole is a decadent pairing.
Blueberry Coffee Cake or Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Coffee cakes are classic brunch companions, and blueberry or sour cream versions are particularly delightful.
Light Salads: To balance the heartiness of the casserole, consider serving a fresh salad. Options like strawberry spinach salad, Mediterranean salad, or even a classic 7-layer salad would work beautifully.

This Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Easy to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and always a hit, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine. Give it a try and experience the joy of a truly satisfying breakfast casserole!

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is loaded with sausage, hash browns, and cheese—all the comfort of a home-cooked breakfast in one easy-to-serve casserole.

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 (12-ounce package) cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, red bell pepper, and white and light green parts of the green onions, breaking the sausage up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until there is no longer any pink in the sausage, about 6-8 minutes. Cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and about one-half of the remaining green parts of the scallions (save the rest to sprinkle on top of the casserole once baked.)
Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheese, hash browns, and the cooled sausage mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 ½ cup of cheese. Turn oven temperature up to 400°F. and continue to bake until the center of the casserole is set and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes, garnish the top with the remaining green parts of the scallions, and serve.

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