Pioneer Woman Casserole Recipes: The Ultimate Breakfast Delight

Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is a family favorite for a reason. This hearty and flavorful dish has become a staple in homes across America, praised for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing taste. I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit, effortlessly feeding a hungry crew every single time. Just like Ree herself, this casserole is reliable, comforting, and simply wonderful.

If you’re a casserole enthusiast like me, you’re always on the lookout for delicious variations. While the Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is a classic, there are many other breakfast casseroles to explore. For more inspiration, check out these delightful recipes: Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole, Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, Bisquick Breakfast Casserole, or for a fun twist, the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole – because who can resist tater tots?

The Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole: A Recipe for Family Gatherings

This recipe is affectionately known in my house as “The Kids Are Home Casserole!” It’s my go-to dish whenever I’m fortunate enough to have my entire family gathered under one roof. Years of making this casserole have proven one thing: it’s absolutely foolproof. No matter how many hungry mouths there are or what time everyone decides to roll out of bed for breakfast, I know this casserole will deliver. It’s the perfect solution for those mornings when family members wake up at different times but still crave a warm, satisfying breakfast.

The real beauty of this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole lies in its make-ahead convenience. I often prepare it the night before, especially when the kids are arriving from various places. This way, a hot and comforting breakfast is ready whenever the early risers appear. Packed with savory sausage, golden hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese, it encapsulates all the best parts of a home-cooked breakfast in one easy-to-serve dish.

A slice of pioneer woman hashbrown breakfast casserole on a plate

A delicious slice of Pioneer Woman hashbrown breakfast casserole served on a white plate, showcasing its golden-brown crust and hearty filling.

Even at room temperature, this casserole remains delicious, making it perfect for stragglers or for when Mom finally gets a moment to sit down and eat. It truly is one of my personal favorites, and I’m confident your family will adore it just as much.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleasing Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole:

Breakfast Sausage: For a classic flavor, Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage is my usual choice. If you prefer a bit of heat, the “Hot” variety works wonderfully.
Green Onions: Use both the white and green parts for a mild oniony flavor.
Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color! I find that red or orange bell peppers add a touch of sweetness.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential. Bringing them to room temperature before mixing helps them incorporate smoothly into the casserole.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, not stoneground, is preferred for its smooth texture.
Tabasco: Or your preferred hot sauce. Tabasco’s vinegar base adds a nice tang that balances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar over mild for a more pronounced cheese flavor. Divide into 3 cups.
Hash browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are ideal. Thaw them before use. You can also experiment with different types, even those with peppers for extra flavor. If using chunkier hash browns, you might need to slightly extend the baking time. Refrigerated hash browns are also a great alternative.

Expert Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

While it might be tempting to simply toss everything into the baking dish, especially on a busy morning, taking a few extra minutes to sauté the vegetables is a game-changer. Sautéing the bell pepper and onions before adding them to the casserole unlocks their natural sweetness and mellows out any potential bitterness, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful dish. This simple step elevates the entire casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes, you absolutely can prepare the Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole ahead of time! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the instructions. 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.

Should You Thaw Hash Browns for Casserole?

Yes, thawing frozen hash browns is crucial for this recipe. Adding them frozen introduces excess moisture, which can disrupt the recipe’s consistency and prevent the casserole from setting properly. Thawed hash browns ensure the perfect texture and balance of flavors.

pioneer woman sausage breakfast casserole close up

A close-up shot of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole, highlighting the browned sausage, melted cheese, and golden hash browns.

Delicious Variations to Try

Bacon Lovers’ Casserole: Swap out the 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 kick, increase the amount of Tabasco or hot sauce. Alternatively, add a finely minced jalapeno pepper along with the bell pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle heat.
Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy twist, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamy flavor.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

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.
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 for 2-3 months.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, especially 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 excellent choice.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Indulge in more casserole goodness with a cinnamon roll casserole.
Coffee Cakes: Choose from blueberry coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake, or Bisquick coffee cake for a delightful coffee accompaniment.

To balance out the richness, add a fresh salad to your brunch menu. Some great salad options include: Portillo’s chopped salad, strawberry spinach salad, strawberry salad, Mediterranean salad, 7 layer salad, 1905 salad, KFC coleslaw, pineapple coleslaw, or classic carrot salad.

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Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is packed with savory sausage, golden hash browns, and melted cheese – all the comfort and flavor 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

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

Instructions

Preheat 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 breakfast sausage, red bell pepper, and the white and light green parts of green onions. Break sausage into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and about half of the 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 cooled 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 casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions.

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