Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast that will please a crowd, look no further than this Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It’s the perfect combination of crispy hash browns, flavorful sausage, and a robust mix of cheeses, all baked to perfection. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for brunches, family gatherings, or even a cozy breakfast at home. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that will surely become a family favorite!

Why Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is Worth Your Time

Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The layers of crispy hash browns provide a perfect base for the savory sausage and vibrant salsa, while the melted cheeses add a creamy richness that ties everything together. This dish is versatile and can be customized to your taste, making it suitable for any palate. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your company and less time in the kitchen.

What Goes In

To create this delightful Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 frozen hash brown patties – the foundation of your casserole, providing texture and heartiness.
• 1 lb sausage – choose your favorite type, whether it’s spicy or mild, to add depth of flavor.
• 1 cup salsa – brings a zesty kick and moisture to the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that classic cheesy flavor.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – adds creaminess and a mild taste.
• 12 large eggs – the binding agent that holds everything together.
• 1 cup milk – adds richness and helps create a fluffy texture.
• 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning – gives it that authentic Mexican flavor.

Essential Tools for Success

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect for holding all your ingredients.
• Large skillet – to cook the sausage and mix everything together.
• Whisk – for mixing the eggs and milk smoothly.
• Spatula – to help layer and spread the ingredients evenly.
• Oven mitts – to protect your hands when taking the casserole out of the oven.

Build Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Layer the Hash Browns

In your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer. This will serve as the base for your casserole, providing a crispy texture.

Step 4: Add the Sausage

Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the layer of hash browns, ensuring it’s distributed well for every bite.

Step 5: Pour on the Salsa

Next, pour the salsa evenly over the sausage layer. The salsa not only adds flavor but also moisture, which will keep the casserole from being too dry.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Cheeses

Evenly sprinkle both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the salsa layer. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious topping.

Step 7: Whisk the Eggs and Milk

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and taco seasoning until well combined. This mixture will bind all the ingredients together and add a rich flavor.

Step 8: Pour the Egg Mixture

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, making sure to cover everything evenly.

Step 9: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If you notice it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you or someone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, consider these swaps:

• Sausage: Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Cheese: Opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives if lactose intolerant.
• Eggs: Substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals 1 egg) for a vegan option.
• Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives.

Learn from These Mistakes

It’s important to remember a few common pitfalls when making your Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:

• Don’t skip pre-cooking the sausage; this step is crucial for flavor and texture.
• Ensure your eggs are well-whisked; uneven mixing can lead to some parts being overly eggy.
• Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing; cutting too soon may result in a messy serving.
• Check the seasoning; adjust the taco seasoning to your preference for a bolder flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing and reheating your Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is easy:

• To store, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, slice the cooled casserole and place the pieces in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Quick Questions

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a quick breakfast.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh hash browns can be used, but you may need to adjust the baking time as they might cook faster.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

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If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Sally’s Baking Addiction
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• Minimalist Baker

Save & Share

If you enjoyed making this Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with your friends and family! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

With its wonderful flavors and satisfying ingredients, this Mexican Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart. Enjoy the cooking process and the delightful moments that come with sharing a meal with loved ones. Happy cooking!