Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), removed from casings OR 1 lb (450g) bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (2% or whole)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups (approx. 225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Toss thawed hash browns with oil, salt, and pepper. Press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer.
- Cook sausage or bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. If using sausage, remove from skillet and set aside. If using bacon, leave in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage (or rendered bacon fat). Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the hashbrown layer. Top with the cooked sausage (or bacon/vegetable mixture). Pour the egg mixture over the sausage. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.