Pioneer Woman Sausage Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Family Brunch Recipe

Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole is a time-tested favorite for a reason. This hearty dish is exactly as delicious and comforting as Ree herself makes it look on her show! I’ve personally made this sausage breakfast casserole for my family countless times, and it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, effortlessly feeding everyone with smiles all around. We absolutely adore it (and Ree!).

If you’re a casserole enthusiast like us, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this Pioneer Woman gem, we have a treasure trove of breakfast casserole recipes to explore. Why not try our sophisticated goat cheese and prosciutto breakfast casserole, the incredibly convenient crockpot breakfast casserole, the classic Bisquick breakfast casserole, or go all-in with the fun and flavorful tater tot breakfast casserole – because who can resist tater tots?

The Magic of the Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole

This recipe is affectionately known in my house as the “Kids Are Home Casserole!” It’s my go-to whenever I’m fortunate enough to have my entire family gathered under one roof. Having made this sausage breakfast casserole for years, I can confidently say it’s absolutely foolproof. It takes the pressure off breakfast, knowing everyone will be well-fed, even if they wander into the kitchen at different times.

The real genius of this Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole lies in its make-ahead convenience. I often prepare it the night before, especially when family members are arriving from various places. This way, a warm and comforting breakfast is ready and waiting for whoever wakes up first. Think savory sausage, fluffy hash browns, and melty cheddar cheese – all the essential comforts of a home-cooked breakfast, conveniently combined in one easy-to-serve casserole.

What’s even better? This sausage breakfast casserole is still delicious at room temperature, and it warms up beautifully for those who prefer a later start to their day, 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 fall in love with it too.

Slice of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole with hash browns and melted cheese on a white plate

Pioneer Woman Sausage Breakfast Casserole Ingredients: The Lineup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this family-favorite sausage breakfast casserole, inspired by the Pioneer Woman:

Breakfast Sausage: I usually opt for Jimmy Dean regular breakfast sausage for its consistent flavor and texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, the “Hot” variety works wonderfully too.
Green Onions: Don’t discard the green parts! We’ll use both the white and green sections of the green onions for layers of flavor.
Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color! I personally lean towards red or orange bell peppers for their sweeter and milder taste, which complements the savory sausage beautifully.
Eggs: Large eggs are the standard for this recipe. For best results, bring them to room temperature before whisking them into the mixture.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that rich and creamy texture that makes this casserole so decadent.
Dijon Mustard: Regular Dijon mustard, not stoneground, is recommended for its smooth texture and tangy flavor that adds depth to the dish.
Tabasco: A dash of Tabasco or your preferred hot sauce introduces a subtle kick and a touch of vinegar, which balances the richness of the casserole.
Salt and Pepper: The foundational seasonings! Properly seasoned salt and pepper are crucial for bringing out all the flavors in the casserole.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my cheese of choice for this recipe. Its robust flavor stands out beautifully against the other ingredients. While mild cheddar will work, sharp cheddar delivers that extra cheesy punch we crave! We’ll be using a generous amount, divided for inside and topping the casserole.
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns are the convenient secret to this casserole. They come in various cuts, but I prefer shredded hash browns for their even distribution. Feel free to experiment – some stores even offer frozen hash browns with peppers for an extra flavor boost!
- Keep in mind that chunkier hash browns might require a slightly longer baking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Refrigerated hash browns are also a great alternative if you have them on hand.

Tips for Pioneer Woman Level Perfection

While it might be tempting to just toss everything into the casserole dish, especially when you’re making this in the morning, resist the urge! Sautéing your veggies while cooking the sausage is a key step. Sautéing unlocks their natural sweetness and mellows out any potential bitterness, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful sausage breakfast casserole. This simple step elevates the entire dish.

Make-Ahead Magic: Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Yes! One of the greatest advantages of this Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole is its make-ahead friendliness. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it according to the instructions. Just remember to avoid placing 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.

To Thaw or Not To Thaw: Hash Browns Edition

Yes, thawing your frozen hash browns is a necessary step for this casserole. Adding them frozen introduces excess moisture into the mixture, which can negatively affect the recipe’s consistency and texture. Thawed hash browns ensure the perfect balance of ingredients and a beautifully baked casserole.

Close-up of Pioneer Woman sausage breakfast casserole showing sausage, cheese, and hash browns

Pioneer Woman Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Flavor Variations to Explore

Want to customize your Pioneer Woman breakfast casserole? Here are a few delicious variations:

Make it Bacon! Craving bacon? Simply swap out the breakfast sausage for cooked, chopped bacon, or go decadent and use a combination of both sausage and bacon!
Spice It Up! For those who like a little heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or hot sauce of your choice. Alternatively, add a finely minced jalapeño pepper along with the red bell pepper while sautéing. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the egg mixture can also add a lovely warmth.
Cheese Swap! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamy melt.

Storing and Freezing Your Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover sausage breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Being an egg-based casserole, it will keep well for 3-4 days when properly stored.
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 in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Brunch Spread

This Pioneer Woman hash brown breakfast casserole is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines as part of a complete brunch spread. I love serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad and, for extra indulgence, some maple pecan scones (utterly delicious!), cinnamon roll casserole, blueberry coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake, or our easy Bisquick coffee cake.

To balance the richness of the casserole and sweet treats, I like to include a vibrant salad in our brunch menu. Some of our favorite salad pairings include Portillo’s chopped salad, strawberry spinach salad or strawberry salad (both with unique and delicious dressings), Mediterranean salad, classic 7 layer salad, the flavorful 1905 salad, creamy KFC coleslaw or refreshing pineapple coleslaw, or even a simple and comforting carrot salad just like Grandma used to make!

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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 melted cheese – delivering all the comforting flavors of a home-cooked breakfast in one easy and satisfying 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 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (3 12-ounce packages)
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 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, 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 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 tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. 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 sausage breakfast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish the top with the reserved green parts of the scallions just before serving.

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