Name: Sweet Potato Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, or 2 medium (about 24 ounces), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 pound sausages of choice (beef, chicken, or turkey), casings removed; 1 red onion, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced; 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups baby spinach leaves, washed; 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 pinch salt, to taste; 1 pinch ground black pepper; 10 large eggs; 1/3 cup milk; 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar (divided)

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This hearty breakfast casserole combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and protein-packed eggs for a complete morning meal that will power you through your day. This one-dish wonder is perfect for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for busy weekdays.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This sweet potato hashbrown breakfast casserole is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it's incredibly versatile—you can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Second, it's packed with nutrition from the sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables, and protein from eggs and sausage. Third, it's make-ahead friendly, perfect for meal prep or when hosting a brunch. The contrasting textures of crispy-edged sweet potatoes, tender vegetables, and fluffy eggs create a satisfying dish that's as delicious as it is nutritious. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes form the foundation of this casserole, providing a naturally sweet flavor and crisp-tender texture. They're also loaded with vitamins A and C, making them a nutritional powerhouse compared to regular potatoes.

Sausage adds savory protein and depth of flavor to the casserole. You can use any variety you prefer—chicken, turkey, or beef—depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Red onion contributes a lovely purple hue and slightly sweeter, milder flavor than yellow onions. They become wonderfully aromatic when sautéed with the other vegetables.

Garlic infuses the entire dish with its distinctive aroma and flavor. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch.

Bell peppers bring vibrant color and a sweet crunch to the casserole. The combination of red and green peppers not only looks beautiful but also provides different nutritional benefits.

Mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture. They absorb the flavors of the other ingredients while cooking, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Spinach wilts down considerably, so don't worry about adding too much. It's a great way to incorporate greens into your breakfast, adding nutrition without overpowering flavor.

Cherry tomatoes burst with juicy freshness when baked, creating pockets of bright flavor throughout the casserole. Halving them ensures they release their juice during baking.

Eggs bind everything together while creating a fluffy, protein-rich base. They take on the flavors of all the other ingredients in the casserole.

Milk adds moisture and helps create a custard-like texture when combined with the eggs. You can substitute with plant-based milk if preferred.

Cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust on top of the casserole. Mozzarella provides a mild, stringy texture, while cheddar offers a sharper flavor profile—both work beautifully.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (200°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and fry briefly to crisp the edges, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In the same skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked through, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Add bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking for another 3 minutes. Incorporate spinach and cook until it begins to wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to the baking dish with the sweet potatoes. Add halved tomatoes and combine all ingredients.
Whisk eggs with milk and ⅓ cup of shredded cheese in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and season with additional salt and pepper.
Bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, until the casserole is cooked through and golden brown with crispy edges.
Allow to cool slightly before cutting into 12 portions and serving warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 1 hour (including both stovetop and oven time), for a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each serving provides a balanced combination of proteins, healthy carbs, and vegetables to keep you satisfied throughout the morning.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add an extra cup of vegetables. Consider adding black beans or chickpeas for protein.

Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.

Southwestern Style: Incorporate black beans, corn, and season with cumin and chili powder. Top with avocado slices and cilantro before serving.

Mediterranean Twist: Use Italian sausage and add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese instead of mozzarella.

Loaded Veggie: Double the vegetables for an even more nutrient-dense casserole.

Sweet and Savory: Add diced apple or pear to complement the sweet potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be wrapped separately for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. After cooling completely, cut into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Alternatively, freeze the entire casserole (after baking and cooling) by covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

From refrigerated: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
From frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. If reheating directly from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Meal Prep Tip: You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may need a few extra minutes to become tender. The flavor profile will be different, as sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that regular potatoes don't have.

How can I tell when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set (not jiggly in the center), the top is golden brown, and the edges are crispy. You can also insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach 160°F if you're using a thermometer.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You have two options: either prepare all the components (cook the sweet potatoes and sausage mixture) and store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake in the morning; or assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking. If choosing the latter, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?

This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, or a simple green salad for brunch. For a more elaborate spread, consider serving it alongside muffins, breakfast pastries, or a fruit smoothie.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your sausage labels as some varieties may contain gluten-based fillers or seasonings. The same applies to pre-shredded cheese, which sometimes contains anti-caking agents that could contain gluten.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply substitute the milk with your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work well) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are many excellent melting plant-based cheeses available now that would work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I use egg whites or an egg substitute?

Yes, you can use 2 egg whites to replace each whole egg, or commercial egg replacers according to package directions. For a lower-cholesterol option, you could also use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites.

What vegetables work best in this casserole?

The recipe is incredibly versatile! Beyond what's listed, consider adding zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, or even butternut squash. Just be mindful that watery vegetables (like zucchini) should be pre-cooked to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole.

Can I reduce the number of eggs?

While the eggs provide structure to the casserole, you could reduce them by a couple without drastically affecting the result. If reducing significantly, consider adding something else for binding, like additional cheese or even a bit of mashed sweet potato mixed into the egg mixture.

How spicy is this casserole?

As written, this casserole is mild and family-friendly. If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use spicy sausage. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines nutrition and comfort in one delicious dish. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand, while its make-ahead capability makes it perfect for both special occasions and weekly meal prep. The combination of protein-rich eggs and sausage with fiber-filled vegetables and complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes creates a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. Whether you're serving it for a holiday brunch, weekend family breakfast, or portioning it out for busy weekday mornings, this casserole delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Give it a try and it may just become your new breakfast staple!