Pioneer Woman Breakfast Sausage Casserole: The Ultimate Family Breakfast Recipe

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, crafted just like Ree Drummond herself would make it. If you’re searching for a breakfast dish that consistently satisfies and brings smiles to the table, look no further. This sausage breakfast casserole has become a beloved staple in countless homes, and for good reason – it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those mornings when you need a comforting and satisfying breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious casseroles, be sure to explore these other fantastic breakfast casserole recipes: Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole, Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, Bisquick Breakfast Casserole, and for a fun twist, the always-popular Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole!

The Perfect Breakfast Casserole for Any Occasion

Dubbed the “Kids Are Home Casserole” in our house, this Pioneer Woman Breakfast Sausage Casserole is my go-to recipe when I’m fortunate enough to have my entire family gathered together. Years of making this dish have proven it to be utterly foolproof. It’s a recipe that consistently delivers, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying breakfast, even if family members wake up at different times. The beauty of this casserole lies in its make-ahead convenience. Preparing it the night before is a lifesaver when you have loved ones arriving. Imagine waking up to the aroma of a hot, ready-to-bake casserole, packed with sausage, hash browns, and cheddar cheese – all the essential comforts of a home-cooked breakfast rolled into one easy-to-serve dish.

Close up view of a slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a white plate, showcasing the layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese.

What makes this Pioneer Woman breakfast sausage casserole truly shine is its versatility. It remains delicious even at room temperature, or you can gently reheat it for those who are last to rise. It’s perfect for a relaxed family brunch or even a weekday breakfast. It’s a personal favorite, and I’m confident it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your family too.

What Goes into Pioneer Woman Breakfast Sausage Casserole? Ingredients Breakdown

This hearty breakfast casserole comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients, readily available at most grocery stores. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Breakfast Sausage: For that classic breakfast flavor, Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage is a great choice. If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to use the “Hot” variety. The sausage is the star protein, providing a savory base for the casserole.
Green Onions: Both the white and green parts of green onions are used in this recipe. They add a mild oniony flavor and a touch of freshness that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color bell pepper. Red or orange bell peppers offer a sweeter and milder flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the casserole. Bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the casserole together and creating that custardy texture. Bringing them to room temperature before use helps them incorporate more smoothly into the mixture.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the casserole, ensuring it’s not dry. It creates a luxurious texture that makes each bite satisfying.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, with its smooth texture, is preferred over stoneground. It provides a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Tabasco Sauce: A dash of Tabasco sauce (or your preferred hot sauce) adds a hint of heat and vinegar, further enhancing the flavor complexity. It’s optional but recommended for a well-rounded taste.
Salt and Pepper: These quintessential seasonings are crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Seasoning properly is key to a delicious casserole.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is highly recommended over mild cheddar. Its robust flavor adds a significant cheesy punch that elevates the entire dish. Using sharp cheddar ensures a noticeable cheese flavor in every bite.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are convenient and work perfectly in this casserole. While shredded is the preferred type, you can experiment with other varieties. Some even come with peppers already mixed in for an extra layer of flavor! If using chunkier hash browns, you might need to extend the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked. Refrigerated hash browns are also a suitable alternative.

Essential Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Breakfast Sausage Casserole

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

Sauté Your Veggies: It might be tempting to skip this step, especially on busy mornings, but sautéing the bell peppers and onions with the sausage is crucial. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and mellows any bitterness, creating a more balanced flavor profile in the casserole. This step significantly enhances the overall taste.

Make-Ahead Magic: Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes, you absolutely can prepare this Pioneer Woman breakfast sausage casserole ahead of time! Assembling the entire casserole the night before and storing it in the refrigerator makes your morning routine much smoother. When you’re ready to bake it, remember not to place a cold casserole dish directly into a hot oven to prevent thermal shock. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes while the oven preheats, or add a few minutes to the covered baking time.

Thawing Hash Browns: A Must for Casserole Success

Yes, thawing frozen hash browns before adding them to the casserole is essential. Adding them frozen introduces excess moisture, which can throw off the recipe’s consistency and result in a soggy casserole. Thawing ensures the right texture and prevents unwanted wateriness.

A close-up shot of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole, highlighting the golden-brown cheese topping and the savory sausage and hash brown filling.

Delicious Variations to Personalize Your Casserole

Want to mix things up? Here are a few tasty variations to customize your Pioneer Woman breakfast sausage casserole:

Bacon Lover’s Delight: Swap out the sausage for cooked, chopped bacon, or go all out and use a combination of both for an extra smoky flavor. Bacon adds a delightful crispy and salty element.
Spice It Up: Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce for a bolder kick. For fresh heat, add a minced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also elevate the spice level.
Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy flavor. Different cheeses can significantly change the flavor profile, so have fun trying new combinations.

Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since it contains eggs, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal quality and food safety.
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 last for 2-3 months. This is perfect for meal prepping or having quick breakfasts ready to go.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole?

This versatile breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for brunch or a special breakfast spread. Consider serving it alongside:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Maple Pecan Scones: These Maple Pecan Scones are a delicious sweet treat to complement the savory casserole.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: For an extra indulgent brunch, add a Cinnamon Roll Casserole to the menu.
Coffee Cakes: Choose from Blueberry Coffee Cake, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or Bisquick Coffee Cake for a delightful coffee break accompaniment.
Salads: Add a fresh salad to balance the richness of the breakfast. Great options include Portillo’s Chopped Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Salad, Mediterranean Salad, 7 Layer Salad, 1905 Salad, KFC Coleslaw or Pineapple Coleslaw, or even a simple Carrot Salad.

Explore More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Looking for more delicious breakfast and brunch ideas? Check out our other recipes to inspire your next morning feast!

Tried This Recipe?

Leave a review below and let us know how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Save Recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is packed with savory sausage, hearty hash browns, and melty cheese—delivering all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked breakfast in one convenient casserole 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 sauce, 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, 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, and black pepper. Stir in about half of the remaining green parts of the green onions (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 top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking until the center of the casserole is set and the cheese is lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions.

Fans Also Made:

RATE THIS RECIPE Save Recipe!

Notes

Nutrition

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I’D LOVE TO SEE! Tag @GonnaWantSeconds or #gonnawantseconds on Instagram!

© Gonna Want Seconds. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media/website/blog is strictly prohibited.

30K Shares