Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Hashbrowns

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Cook the Meat and Vegetables

• In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage or bacon over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving a small amount of grease in the pan.
• Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Sprinkle the cooked sausage or bacon evenly over the hashbrowns in the baking dish.
• Add the cooked onions and red bell pepper on top.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and vegetables.

5. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrowns, meat, and vegetables in the baking dish.

6. Add the Final Layer

• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

8. Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage or bacon and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole as a satisfying start to your day, perfect for sharing with family and friends!