Southwest Breakfast Casserole

Share to Social

Loaded with hash browns, bacon, sausage, peppers, jalapeños, cheese, and eggs, this easy Southwest Breakfast Casserole is perfect for brunch, holidays, and feeding a crowd.

Some of the best recipes happen completely by accident.

This breakfast casserole was born on a day when I needed to use up a package of frozen hash browns, some leftover peppers and onions, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a slab of thick-cut bacon that was simply too good to waste. I dug through the refrigerator, added a few breakfast staples, and before long had a hearty casserole packed with all of my favorite southwest breakfast flavors.

Loaded with crispy bacon, sausage, potatoes, peppers, jalapeños, eggs, and cheese, this casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, brunches, or weekend guests.

If you love hearty Texas-style breakfasts, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with everyday ingredients
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Perfect for meal prep
• Loaded with protein and flavor
• Customizable with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses
• Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner

Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a look at what you’re going to need. These are simple ingredients and they’re interchangeable. (Example: I didn’t have red peppers but I did have cherry tomatoes, which is how they ended up in the mix.)

• 26-ounce package frozen hash browns
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 6 turkey breakfast sausage links, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 10 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Additional jalapeño slices, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, optional

Note on the jalapenos: I remove the seeds from mine and I only used half of the pepper because the one I had was huge. I ended up slicing up some of it to add to the top. All that to say, you do you. If you like it hot, leave the seeds. Not so much? Wash them down the drain and only use the pepper, itself. Someone people love the flavor but not the heat.

How to Make Texas Ranch Breakfast Casserole

This comes together so easily! If you’re a fan of easy breakfasts, big and hearty enough to feed a crowd, this is about to become a new favorite.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook bacon until almost done. Add sausages and cook until browned. Remove and chop meats. Set aside on paper towels.

Sauté peppers, onion, and jalapeño in a small amount of bacon grease until softened.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish.

Top with bacon, sausage, sautéed vegetables.

Add cherry tomatoes.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and cumin. Stir in most of the cheese, reserving a small amount for the top.

Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is set.

During the last 10 minutes of baking, add additional grated cheese and jalapeño slices to the top.

Remove when cheese is melted and center is set. (Total bake time for me was 55 minutes but ovens vary.)

Allow casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

What to Expect from this Casserole

It’s hearty, it’s meaty, it’s loaded with that punch of flavor from the pepeprs and onions. . .in short, it’s a great meal. I say “meal” because you’re really not going to need any sides with this one, unless you throw in a piece of our Texas toast or two-ingredient biscuits.

It’s filling and warm and perfect for a cold day. Or a hot day. Or any day. What I love about it most? You can prep it the night ahead and pop it in the oven the following morning. When your alarm goes off just stick it in the oven and it will bake while everyone is getting ready for their day. By the time you’re all gathered in the kitchen your breakfast will be waiting for you!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Variations

I think this is pretty amazing just like it is, but it’s always fun to mix things up. Here are a few ways to change up this delicious breakfast casserole:

Add More Heat

Use extra jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or your favorite hot sauce.

Swap the Meat

Try breakfast sausage, chorizo, ham, or smoked brisket.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or black beans.

Tex-Mex Style

Serve with salsa, avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Bring Down the Heat

Not a fan of heat? No worries. Just skip the peppers altogether. It’s still a hearty breakfast casserole with tons of flavor from the meats and onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to thaw the hash browns first?

No. Frozen hash browns can go directly into the baking dish.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead?

Yes, but they should be shredded and partially cooked first.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are all excellent choices.

Can I use breakfast sausage instead of turkey sausage?

Absolutely. Any cooked breakfast sausage will work. I just happened to have turkey sausage on hand.

Why add cream of mushroom soup?

It adds richness, moisture, and flavor while helping bind the casserole together.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The center should be fully set and no longer jiggle when gently shaken.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Individual portions freeze and reheat very well.

Is the casserole spicy?

As written, it has mild heat. Adjust the jalapeños to your preference.

What should I serve with breakfast casserole?

Fresh fruit, biscuits, toast, salsa, avocado, or a simple green salad all pair well with this casserole.

Other Breakfast Favorites

If you’re all about breakfast foods, we’ve got you covered with some recipes from our site and our friends at Out of the Box Baking. Here are our favorites:

The Ultimate Breakfast Fatty with Chorizo: A “breakfast fatty” is an amazing and tasty breakfast dish that combines a variety of well known breakfast ingredients. It’s typically wrapped in sausage or bacon and shaped into a roll or log. For people who love savory breakfasts, this is a popular choice.

Simple Breakfast Sausage Casserole: If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast casserole, one sure to please a crowd, this is the recipe for you! It’s warm, delicious, and packed full of flavor! 

Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Casserole: This recipe is so simple, you will almost feel like you’re cheating! It starts with two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls but it definitely doesn’t end there! 

Most Delicious Breakfast Enchiladas: If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast dish, one with a bit of a Tex-Mex kick, this is the recipe for you! You will love these simple breakfast enchiladas.

Thanks for Stopping By!

If you make this casserole and love it, please leave a comment or review. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?