Today, I am going to make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. This casserole is loaded with all your breakfast favorites—eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns—baked to perfection in one dish. It’s an ideal choice for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast gathering.

What is Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a robust breakfast dish that combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns into a single, delicious casserole. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving a large group, making it a staple for family breakfasts and brunches.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings and holiday mornings.

Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite breakfast ingredients.
Make-Ahead: This can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Versatile: Works well for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

1 pound breakfast sausage
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced

1 package (20 ounces) frozen hash browns, thawed
8 large eggs
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns.
- Spread the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the sausage.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the vegetables.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Add the remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Toast or Biscuits: Serve with toast or biscuits to soak up the delicious flavors.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add a healthy touch.

Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can spice things up.
Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait with granola and berries makes a great side.
Juice or Coffee: Complement your casserole with a glass of juice or a cup of coffee.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

Thaw Hash Browns: Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Season Generously: Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a more flavorful dish.
Cheese Variations: Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique twist.

Vegetable Add-Ins: Add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set the layers.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian: Use a plant-based sausage alternative and add more vegetables.
Meat Lovers: Include bacon or ham along with the sausage for extra meatiness.

Southwestern Style: Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a southwestern twist.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially the sausage, are gluten-free.

Storing Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power.
Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.

Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 22g

Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

How can I make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole healthier, use turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. You can also use egg whites or a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites to reduce cholesterol.

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns in Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and grate the potatoes, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. You may need to par-cook them slightly by sautéing them in a pan until they start to soften before adding them to the casserole.

How can I prevent the Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole from becoming soggy?

To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage and remove excess moisture from the hash browns if using fresh potatoes. Additionally, avoid overmixing the egg mixture, which can cause too much air to be incorporated.

Is it possible to make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as directed and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. This method is convenient for busy mornings.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With its combination of eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious casserole, and make your mornings special!

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