Print

Crockpot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

crockpot sausage breakfast casserole - featured image

This easy make-ahead crockpot sausage breakfast casserole is a family favorite, featuring layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, tender potatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or feeding a crowd, it cooks overnight in your slow cooker for a fuss-free, hearty breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), crumbled and browned
  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced, about 6 cups)
  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: a handful of chopped spinach
  • Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh herbs (chives, parsley) for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. (Tip: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the sausage during the last 3-4 minutes.)
  2. Grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot (6-8 quart) with nonstick spray or butter.
  3. Layer half of the frozen hash browns in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half the cooked sausage, half the sautéed veggies, and half the shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining hash browns, sausage, veggies, and cheese. (Do not pack down the layers.)
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. (Add hot sauce or fresh herbs if desired.)
  5. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Use a spatula to gently press down and help the mixture seep through—do not stir.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (overnight) or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Check at the 6-hour mark if your slow cooker runs hot; edges should be set and the center just barely firm.
  7. The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. If the center jiggles too much, cook for another 30 minutes and check again.
  8. Let the casserole rest with the lid off for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, always brown the sausage before adding to the crockpot. Sauté any watery veggies (like mushrooms or tomatoes) before layering to prevent a soggy casserole. Let the casserole rest before slicing for clean servings. Easily customizable—swap in different cheeses, veggies, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. For gluten-free, double-check all packaged ingredients. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, slow cooker breakfast, make ahead breakfast, brunch, family breakfast, easy breakfast casserole, gluten free breakfast, meal prep breakfast