Description
A hearty and convenient CrockPot Breakfast Casserole packed with hash browns, savory meat, colorful bell peppers, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful egg custard. Perfect for easy mornings or brunch gatherings, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 32 ounces Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes (1 bag)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 small white onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Meat
- 1 pound bacon, sausage, or ham, cooked & crumbled or diced
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: If you are using bacon or sausage, cook it thoroughly and crumble or dice it. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for added flavor.
- Soften the Onions (Optional): Add the finely diced white onion to the pan with the reserved fat and soften over medium heat. This step mellows the onion’s sharpness but can be skipped if preferred.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Place half of the hash browns in the bottom, followed by half of the meat, onions, diced bell peppers, and shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers ending with cheese on top. Do not stir the layers.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture and Cook: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the eggs are set.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, uncover the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to firm up and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Using cooked and crumbled meat saves time and adds flavor.
- Softening onions in the pan fat is optional but helps mellow the flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before by layering and refrigerating, then cooking in the morning.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Ensure the slow cooker is greased well to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
