Farmers Casserole

Here is a detailed and delicious Farmer’s Casserole recipe. This dish is hearty, savory, and perfect for breakfast or dinner. It’s a classic comfort-food casserole with potatoes, sausage, eggs, and cheese.

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Farmer’s Casserole

Ingredients

Potato base

• 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed) or 4 cups diced cooked potatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Meat

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (or ground beef, ham, or bacon)

Egg mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

Optional toppings

• Green onions or chives
• Additional cheese

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the meat

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
2. Break it into small pieces while cooking.
3. Remove from heat and drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter.
2. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Add the hash browns and cook for 5 minutes until slightly browned.

Step 4: Layer the casserole

1. Spread the cooked hash browns and vegetables evenly in the baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the potatoes.
3. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Prepare the egg mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Assemble the casserole

1. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.

Step 8: Rest and serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.
2. Slice into squares and serve warm.
3. Garnish with green onions or chives if desired.

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Tips for Best Results

• Thaw hash browns and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or parsley).
• For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes.
• You can assemble the night before and bake in the morning.

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If you want, I can also provide:

• A vegetarian version
• A slow cooker version
• A Mexican-style farmer’s casserole
• A smoked sausage and cheddar version

Just tell me which one you prefer.