This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food that will make any morning feel special. The layers of tender hash browns, savory sausage, melty cheese, and the earthy mushrooms come together to create a filling dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings or large gatherings. With minimal effort required, simply prepare the casserole the night before and let the slow cooker work its magic while you sleep. When you wake up, you’ll be greeted by the delicious aroma of a perfectly cooked breakfast, ready to serve to family or friends. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon), cooked and crumbled
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen hash browns
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Set aside.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread half of the frozen hash browns in the bottom of the crockpot. Add half of the cooked sausage (or bacon), diced onion, bell pepper, sautéed mushrooms, and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours (overnight) or on high for 3-4 hours, until the eggs are fully set and the casserole is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 456 | Servings: 8
A Perfectly Balanced Breakfast in a Crockpot
One of the greatest benefits of the Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Mushrooms is how balanced it is. The combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs ensures that your breakfast has all the components necessary to start your day on the right foot.
- Protein from the Sausage and Eggs: Breakfast sausage is a rich source of protein, which helps fuel your body for the day ahead. When paired with eggs—another high-protein ingredient—this casserole becomes a substantial meal that keeps you full for hours, preventing the midday slump.
- Complex Carbs from Hash Browns: Hash browns serve as a source of complex carbohydrates, which are slowly digested by the body, providing a steady source of energy throughout the morning. This makes the casserole filling and satisfying without the quick spike and drop of blood sugar you might get from more processed breakfast foods.
- Vitamins and Fiber from Mushrooms and Bell Peppers: Mushrooms add more than just flavor to this casserole. They are packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Bell peppers, if you choose to add them, are an excellent source of Vitamin C, further boosting the nutritional profile of the dish. These ingredients provide fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you feeling satisfied without the feeling of heaviness.
Why This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Is the Best
Many breakfast recipes require a lot of hands-on time in the kitchen, but one of the biggest advantages of this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the convenience. You can prep everything the night before, set it in your slow cooker, and wake up to a warm, fully prepared meal. This is especially helpful for busy mornings, when there’s no time to make breakfast from scratch. Instead of juggling multiple tasks in the kitchen, you can simply enjoy a stress-free morning while your crockpot does all the hard work.
Here are some key reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Convenience of the Slow Cooker: Unlike other breakfast casseroles that require you to babysit the oven, a crockpot does all the cooking for you. Simply add your ingredients the night before and let the slow cooker do its magic. The best part? You can leave it cooking overnight or during the day, and it’s ready when you are.
- Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty of casseroles is that they are endlessly customizable. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can swap them for spinach, zucchini, or any other vegetable you prefer. You can also adjust the level of seasoning, or make the dish spicier by adding chili flakes or hot sauce. Prefer turkey sausage over pork? No problem! The recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and tastes.
- A Meal for the Whole Family: This casserole is perfect for families, especially when you need to prepare breakfast for multiple people. It serves 8, which makes it a great option for holiday mornings, family reunions, or even meal prepping for the week. Because it’s so filling, it ensures that everyone starts the day with a wholesome meal, keeping everyone satisfied until lunchtime.
- Nutrient-Dense and Hearty: A common problem with many breakfast recipes is that they lack the balance of nutrients needed to keep you full and energized throughout the day. This casserole, on the other hand, combines rich sources of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a hearty and well-rounded meal.
Perfect for Busy Weekdays and Special Occasions
One of the reasons this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Mushrooms is such a hit is its versatility. It’s a great option for busy weekday mornings, but it’s also perfect for special occasions like holidays, brunch gatherings, or potlucks. The best part? It can be made the night before, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
Imagine waking up to the aroma of this casserole wafting through your home on a cold winter morning. It’s the perfect way to start the day, and it’s especially satisfying during the holiday season when you have a lot of guests over. Whether you serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee, this dish will feel like a special treat that everyone will love.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Mushrooms is not only convenient but also packed with nutrition:
- High in Protein: The sausage and eggs provide a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Protein is also an important macronutrient that helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich in Fiber: Vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers add fiber to the dish, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer periods.
- Good Source of Healthy Fats: The cheese in the casserole provides healthy fats that contribute to heart health. In moderation, fats are an important part of a balanced diet, helping to absorb vitamins and providing a concentrated source of energy.
- Low Maintenance: The use of the slow cooker makes this recipe perfect for busy individuals who want to make a wholesome meal without having to hover over the stove.
Meal Prepping and Storage
Another great benefit of this dish is its ability to be meal-prepped in advance. Since this casserole is so easy to store and reheat, you can make it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or for a crispy top, pop it in the oven for a few minutes.
You can also freeze this casserole! To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Mushrooms is a comforting, delicious, and versatile meal that will become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also packed with nutrients, easy to make, and perfect for a crowd. Whether you’re looking for an effortless breakfast solution on busy mornings or need a make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings, this casserole has you covered. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who values convenience without sacrificing flavor, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. So next time you’re looking for a way to simplify breakfast without compromising on taste or nutrition, grab your crockpot and make this delicious casserole.