Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with eggs, cheese, hash browns, and your favorite breakfast meats, this casserole cooks overnight in your slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or holiday brunches. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a hands-off recipe that ensures everyone starts their day satisfied.

What is Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole?

This breakfast casserole combines classic breakfast ingredients like eggs, sausage, hash browns, and cheese into one warm and satisfying dish. Prepared in a crockpot, the ingredients are layered and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal. It’s customizable to suit your preferences and a perfect solution for make-ahead breakfasts.

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Convenient: Prepares overnight or with minimal morning effort.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding large groups at gatherings or holidays.
Customizable: Swap out meats, cheeses, or veggies to suit your tastes.
Minimal Cleanup: Made entirely in the crockpot, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and delicious flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

1 (30 oz) bag of frozen hash browns
1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
12 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment Needed

Crockpot or Slow Cooker: For cooking the casserole.
Skillet: For cooking the sausage.
Whisk: For mixing the egg mixture.
Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For layering and mixing.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Crockpot: Grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, layer the frozen hash browns, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour Over the Layers: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot, ensuring it seeps through to the bottom.
Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the eggs are set and the casserole is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve directly from the crockpot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Toast or Biscuits: Serve with buttered toast or fluffy biscuits for a traditional breakfast touch.
Breakfast Beverages: Pair with orange juice, coffee, or a mimosa for a complete breakfast spread.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients: Always use cooked meats and sautéed vegetables to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Grease the Crockpot: Prevent sticking by greasing the crockpot well with non-stick spray or butter.
Customize the Layers: Add or swap ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or bacon for variety.
Check for Doneness: Make sure the eggs are fully set before serving by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Don’t Overcook: Avoid leaving the casserole in the crockpot for too long after it’s done, as this can cause the eggs to dry out.

Variations of Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced zucchini.
Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning, then top with salsa and avocado.
Cheesy Overload: Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or feta for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure all ingredients, like sausages, are certified gluten-free.

Storing Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Slice the casserole into portions, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Place portions in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave Method: Heat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring as needed.

FAQs

Can I prepare crockpot breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble all the layers in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the crockpot insert into the base and cook as directed.

How do I prevent my breakfast casserole from sticking to the crockpot?

To prevent sticking, generously grease the crockpot with non-stick spray or butter before layering the ingredients. Using a crockpot liner can also help make cleanup easier.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and grate the potatoes, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before layering them in the casserole.

How do I adjust the cooking time if using a smaller crockpot?

If using a smaller crockpot, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the eggs set properly. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is fully cooked.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. With its layers of flavorful ingredients and creamy, cheesy texture, this casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite.

Serve it warm, and watch it disappear!