This Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines classic breakfast ingredients with a Mexican twist. Featuring layers of shredded hash browns, seasoned sausage, salsa, and cheese, all baked together with eggs and milk, it’s perfect for serving your family or a crowd.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 16 oz shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 lb sausage (pork, chorizo, or turkey), cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1⅓ cups salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp)
- 12 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded hash browns on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Distribute the cooked sausage over the hash browns, then top with salsa.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the casserole dish.
- Loosely cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 316mg
- Sodium: 989mg
- Potassium: 538mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 961 IU
- Vitamin C: 6 mg
- Calcium: 269 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Why Choose a Mexican Breakfast Casserole?
Breakfast casseroles have long been a favorite for busy families and gatherings due to their simplicity and the ability to make large portions at once. The Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole stands out because of its vibrant, bold flavors that bring a twist to the classic breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns. By adding salsa, taco seasoning, and cheese, this dish becomes a fusion of traditional breakfast foods and Mexican cuisine, creating a meal that is both hearty and flavorful.
Mexican cuisine is well-known for its use of bold spices, fresh ingredients, and unique combinations. This casserole brings those elements into your breakfast, allowing you to enjoy a little taste of Mexico at the start of your day. Whether you prefer your food spicy or mild, this dish can be easily adjusted to suit your personal taste by selecting the right type of salsa or seasoning.
The Benefits of Preparing a Breakfast Casserole
One of the key benefits of preparing a breakfast casserole like the Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole is the convenience it offers. Many breakfast dishes require constant attention while cooking, such as frying eggs or making pancakes. However, casseroles can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply enjoy more time with family or guests. The casserole can be prepped the night before, stored in the fridge, and baked the next morning, making it a great option for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or busy weekdays.
Additionally, casseroles are perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish can serve several people at once, which makes it ideal for family gatherings, brunch parties, or even potlucks. Since it’s made in one dish, cleanup is also minimal, saving you time after the meal.
A Versatile and Customizable Dish
Another reason the Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole is so popular is its versatility. While the base ingredients of hash browns, sausage, eggs, and cheese remain consistent, the recipe allows for a range of customizable options. You can choose different types of cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of both—to create the flavor profile you prefer. Additionally, you can select from a variety of sausages, including pork, turkey, or chorizo, to cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
For those who prefer a vegetarian version, the sausage can be omitted, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or zucchini can be added. You can also switch out the meat for alternatives like black beans or plant-based sausage for a vegan option. The salsa can be adjusted to suit your spice preference, from a mild tomato-based salsa to a fiery, spicy salsa made with habaneros or jalapeños.
Making It Ahead of Time
One of the most appealing aspects of the Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole is that it can be prepared in advance. Preparing the casserole the night before means you can save time in the morning, especially on busy weekdays or special occasions when you need to get breakfast ready in a hurry. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it into the oven and bake. This is especially helpful when hosting a brunch or holiday breakfast, where you want to serve a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Another advantage of making this casserole ahead of time is that it allows the flavors to meld together. The longer the casserole sits, the more the spices, sausage, and cheese blend, resulting in an even richer flavor when baked.
Nutritional Benefits of the Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole
While breakfast casseroles like this one may seem indulgent, they can also be quite nutritious. The combination of eggs, cheese, and sausage provides a good amount of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning. Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in muscle repair and growth, immune function, and overall health.
In addition to protein, this casserole includes hash browns, which are a great source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy, making them an essential part of any balanced diet. Depending on the type of salsa used, you can also get a boost of vitamins A and C, as many salsas are made with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, all of which are rich in these nutrients.
Though it’s important to enjoy this casserole in moderation due to its higher fat content from cheese and sausage, the overall nutritional profile is balanced, providing a filling meal that helps sustain energy levels throughout the day.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The versatility of the Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole makes it suitable for a variety of occasions. It’s an ideal dish for holiday breakfasts like Christmas or Easter, where you want to serve a hearty meal to a crowd. It’s also perfect for brunch parties, baby showers, or even casual family breakfasts.
Because it can be made in a large dish and easily sliced into individual servings, it’s convenient for buffet-style serving. Whether you’re entertaining a large group or simply feeding your family, this casserole is sure to please a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
The Easy Mexican Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a fun twist on traditional breakfast favorites. By combining the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with classic breakfast ingredients, it creates a meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. With the option to prepare it ahead of time, this casserole is a convenient choice for busy mornings or special gatherings.