Cheesy Denver Breakfast Casserole

Here’s a recipe for a Cheesy Denver Breakfast Casserole, perfect for a hearty morning meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon, chopped)

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (use red, green, or a mix)

• 1/2 cup onion, diced

• 1 cup cooked potatoes (or frozen hash browns)

• 8 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)

• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into crumbles. If you’re using bacon, chop it and cook until crispy. Drain excess fat.

3. Sauté the Veggies:

   • In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. If using frozen hash browns, mix them in at this stage to warm them through.

4. Mix the Eggs:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Spread the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cooked potatoes (or hash browns) evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

   • Pour the egg mixture over the top of the ingredients.

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the casserole.

Bake the Casserole:

1. Bake:

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

2. Cool Slightly:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color.

Serve:

1. Serve Warm:

   • Slice into squares and serve immediately, with optional extra toppings like hot sauce, salsa, or avocado slices.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 400

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 30g

• Carbs: 15g

Suggested Meal Time:

• Ideal for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a make-ahead dish for busy mornings.

Tips on Using Energy-Efficient Devices:

• Use a convection oven if you have one, as it circulates hot air and cooks the casserole more evenly, reducing cooking time and energy use.

Who Would Benefit from This Dish:

• Perfect for families, meal prep, or anyone looking for a comforting and filling breakfast casserole. It’s a great choice for brunch gatherings or a hearty start to the day.