Name: Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole-Hearty Beef & Egg Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 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 ); 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, (thawed )

Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole. Ah, yes, a name that conjures images of cozy mornings, hearty appetites, and the unmistakable comfort of a home-cooked meal. If you’ve ever found yourself craving something truly satisfying to kickstart your day, something that feels both nostalgic and incredibly delicious, then this is the recipe you’ve been searching for. What is it about this particular breakfast casserole that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of so many? It’s the perfect harmony of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and a hint of something extra that just elevates it beyond your average egg bake. It’s the kind of dish that can handle a busy weekday morning with a quick reheat, or be the star of a leisurely Sunday brunch with family and friends. This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate that promises to fuel your adventures, whatever they may be.

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 )

Preparing the Casserole

Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Sautéing the Vegetables

The first step to a fantastic Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole is to get our flavor base built. We’ll start by cooking the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, I like to break it up into crumbles with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Once the sausage is browned and no longer pink, I’ll carefully drain off any excess grease. This is important for preventing a greasy casserole and for achieving the best texture. Now, I’ll add the chopped red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions to the same skillet with the cooked sausage. I’ll sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened slightly. The sweetness of the bell pepper and the mild onion flavor will really complement the savory sausage beautifully. This step also helps to mellow out the raw onion flavor, making it more pleasant in the final dish.

Step 2: Preparing the Egg Mixture

While the vegetables are sautéing, I’ll get started on the rich egg custard that holds our casserole together. In a large bowl, I’ll crack all 10 large eggs. I’m using large eggs because they provide the perfect amount of binding and richness for this recipe. Next, I’ll whisk in the heavy cream. Heavy cream is key here; it adds a luxurious creaminess that you just can’t achieve with milk. Then, I’ll add the Dijon mustard. Don’t skip this! The Dijon adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that really enhances the other ingredients without making the casserole taste like mustard. For those who like a little kick, this is where you’ll add your optional Tabasco sauce. I usually start with 1 teaspoon and can always add more if I’m feeling daring. Finally, I’ll season the mixture with the salt and black pepper. It’s crucial to season the egg mixture well, as this is where a lot of the overall flavor will come from. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and a uniform color.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole Layers

Now for the fun part – layering! I’ve preheated my oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greased a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is essential to prevent any sticking. I’ll start by spreading the thawed, shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to get them into all the corners. Then, I’ll sprinkle about half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hash browns. This layer of cheese melts down and creates a delicious cheesy base for the rest of the ingredients. Next, I’ll evenly distribute the sausage and vegetable mixture over the cheese. I try to spread it out as much as possible so each bite gets a good amount of everything.

Step 4: Adding the Egg Custard and Final Cheese Layer

With our savory layers in place, it’s time to pour in the glorious egg mixture. I’ll slowly and carefully pour the whisked eggs and cream mixture evenly over the sausage, vegetables, and hash browns. Try to get it into all the nooks and crannies to ensure the whole casserole sets up nicely. After the egg mixture is poured, I’ll sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates that irresistible golden-brown cheesy crust that we all love. Finally, I’ll garnish the top with the green parts of the chopped green onions. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Step 5: Baking and Resting the Casserole

Now it’s time to let the magic happen in the oven. I’ll carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. You’ll know the casserole is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Once it’s out of the oven, it’s incredibly tempting to dig in right away, but I highly recommend letting it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to firm up, making it much easier to slice and serve without falling apart. It also allows the flavors to meld together even further. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and delicious Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole!

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this delightful Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Its hearty combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and tender bread makes it incredibly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – that’s the beauty of home cooking! Whether you’re serving it alongside fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a simple side salad, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious bite of your homemade Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole is an excellent make-ahead option. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for it being cold. Alternatively, you can bake it fully the day before, let it cool completely, and then reheat it in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

What are some good variations for this breakfast casserole?

There are so many ways to customize this Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole! For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. You can also swap the sausage for diced ham or even cooked bacon. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the egg mixture. Different types of cheese can also be used, such as a sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.