Mexican Style Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ground sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor and protein to the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy taste that complements the other ingredients.

Shredded monterey jack cheese: Adds a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Diced green chilies: Brings a mild heat and a hint of smokiness.

Eggs: The base of the casserole, giving it structure and richness.

Milk: Helps to create a fluffy and light texture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

When browning the ground sausage, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and incorporates well into the casserole. Additionally, for a more flavorful dish, consider using a cast iron skillet to cook the sausage, as it retains heat better and can add a slight crispiness to the meat.

• ground sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of sausage.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded colby cheese: Colby cheese has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well in casseroles.

• shredded monterey jack cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts similarly and has a mild flavor that complements other ingredients.

• diced green chilies - Substitute with diced jalapeños: Jalapeños provide a similar heat and flavor profile, though they are slightly spicier.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes can be used for a lower cholesterol option and work well in baked dishes.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor and can be used in smaller quantities to reduce sodium intake.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, offering a subtle change.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the casserole soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer portions to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• For freezing, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat thawed portions in the microwave or oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Mexican Style Breakfast Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer of cheese.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Cut the casserole into smaller pieces for even heating.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
  3. Place the pieces in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggs are heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for doneness and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the ground sausage until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Needed for whisking together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and for combining all ingredients.

• Whisk: Utilized to mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

• Baking dish: The container where the casserole mixture is poured and baked.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and shredded cheeses accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the cooked sausage into the egg mixture.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of diced green chilies.

• Grater: If the cheeses are not pre-shredded, a grater will be needed to shred them.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the ground sausage the night before and store it in the fridge. This will save you time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese to cut down on prep time.

Mix ingredients ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Grease the dish in advance: Prepare your baking dish by greasing it ahead of time, so it's ready to go when you are.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop the diced green chilies using a food processor to save time.