Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd? This Easy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect solution for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight dinner.
Loaded with savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese, and just the right blend of seasonings, this casserole comes together with minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing something special for a potluck or holiday breakfast, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready, saving you time and stress. The combination of ingredients creates a golden, cheesy top and a rich, hearty interior that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this Easy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a dependable go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s comfort food at its best—warm, filling, and irresistibly delicious.
Easy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole
Description
This Easy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor.
It features crispy hashbrowns, savory ground sausage, creamy cheese sauce, and just the right amount of spice, all baked to golden perfection.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Whether you're feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole delivers satisfying taste with minimal effort.
Customize it with your favorite cheeses or veggies for a personal twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked—about 7–10 minutes. Add the chopped onion in the last 3 minutes of cooking and sauté until softened and translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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Stir in the thawed hashbrowns, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked sausage/onion mixture. Mix everything together until the hashbrowns are fully coated and evenly combined.
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Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, dot the surface with a few thin slices of butter and sprinkle lightly with paprika for color.
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Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
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Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Variations & Tips:
- Protein swap: You can use ground turkey, chorizo, or bacon instead of sausage. Even diced ham works well for a lighter twist.
- Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy kick: Use hot sausage or stir in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then cook as instructed.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Why This Recipe Works:
This casserole is popular because it combines three winning elements: crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheese. The cream of mushroom soup and sour cream add moisture and richness, while the spices bring balance and flavor. Plus, it’s extremely customizable. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or adventurous ones, there’s room to personalize without sacrificing the comforting core of the dish.
Perfect For:
- Holiday breakfasts (think Christmas or Easter morning)
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Potlucks, church suppers, or family gatherings
- Easy weeknight dinner with a side salad
Time-Saving Tip:
To shave even more time off, cook the sausage and onions ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. You can also keep hashbrowns in the fridge overnight to ensure they’re fully thawed before use.
Easy Sausage Hashbrown Casserole: Tips and Serving Tricks
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—savory, cheesy, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or even dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the following tips and tricks will help you create the best possible version of this beloved dish.
Casserole Basics
A traditional sausage hashbrown casserole includes ground breakfast sausage, frozen hashbrowns, eggs, shredded cheese, and milk or cream. Some recipes add extras like bell peppers, onions, or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Main Contributors:
- Sausage and cheddar cheese contribute significantly to fat, protein, and sodium.
- Hashbrowns provide most of the carbs.
- Cream of mushroom or chicken soup (if used) adds sodium and fat.
- Eggs boost protein and cholesterol.
Prep Tips
1. Thaw Hashbrowns Completely
Frozen hashbrowns need to be fully thawed before mixing to prevent uneven baking and a watery texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for a few minutes if you’re short on time.
2. Brown the Sausage Well
Cook sausage until fully browned and slightly crispy. This adds a deep, savory flavor that enhances the whole casserole. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Use a Nonstick Spray
Generously coat your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy cleanup and perfect servings.
4. Mix Cheese Throughout
Instead of sprinkling all the cheese on top, mix some into the casserole. This helps bind the ingredients and ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
1. Cheese Choices
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
2. Veggie Boost
Add sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Make sure to cook off any excess moisture before adding.
3. Spice It Up
A dash of hot sauce, paprika, or even taco seasoning can give your casserole a unique twist.
4. Dairy Substitutes
No heavy cream? Use milk mixed with a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Baking Tips
1. Cover, Then Uncover
Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to lock in moisture. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the top.
2. Check for Doneness
The casserole is done when the center is firm, and a knife comes out clean. If using eggs, make sure they're fully set in the middle.
3. Let It Rest
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up for easier slicing and serving.
Serving Tricks
1. Serve with Toppings
Offer sour cream, hot sauce, chives, or even avocado slices on the side to elevate the flavor.
2. Make It Mini
Portion into muffin tins for individual servings—great for brunch buffets or meal prep.
3. Pair It Up
Serve with a light side salad, fresh fruit, or toast to balance out the richness of the casserole.
4. Breakfast Burrito Style
Scoop leftovers into a tortilla, add salsa and roll into a breakfast burrito for an easy second-day meal.
This easy sausage hashbrown casserole brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a dish you can rely on—simple enough for busy weeknights, but satisfying enough to serve for special occasions. Pair it with a fruit salad, toast, or scrambled eggs for a full meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many homes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for sausage hashbrown casserole?
This classic casserole typically requires basic, budget-friendly ingredients: breakfast sausage (usually pork, but turkey works too), frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded or diced), shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, milk, and sometimes sour cream or eggs for added richness and binding. Optional add-ins include chopped onions, bell peppers, or green chilies for extra flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is ideal for prepping in advance. You can assemble the casserole completely—uncooked—and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
You can also bake it fully, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven the next day at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
How long and at what temperature should I bake it?
Bake the sausage hashbrown casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly. If you've added eggs to the mixture, make sure the casserole sets completely in the middle. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to help it firm up and serve cleanly.
How can I customize the casserole to suit dietary needs?
This recipe is very flexible. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and light cream soups. To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream soup is labeled gluten-free or make a homemade roux-based version. For a spicier version, choose hot sausage and add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Vegetarian options can substitute meatless sausage or skip it entirely and bulk up with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
