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Wholesome Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole

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A hearty and delicious breakfast casserole featuring turkey sausage, hash browns, and plenty of cheese, with a crispy panko topping. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey sausage (or pork sausage)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the sausage and veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook turkey sausage, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Add onion and bell pepper, cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Blend the cottage cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Dry the hash browns: Spread thawed hash browns on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Roll up and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) until well combined and slightly frothy. Whisk in blended cottage cheese until smooth.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Add dried hash browns, cooked sausage mixture, and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with egg mixture. Stir gently until evenly distributed. Pour into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix with a fork until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the casserole.
  8. Bake: Place dish in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until top is golden brown and casserole is set in the center (knife inserted in middle comes out clean). If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for last 10 minutes.
  9. Rest before serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow casserole to set.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, cut into squares, and serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, thoroughly dry the hash browns to avoid a soggy casserole. Let eggs come to room temperature for even mixing. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes. Grease the dish well to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, sausage casserole, cheesy casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, turkey sausage casserole

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