Name: Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 11 oz frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1 1/2 lbs bulk spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage; 2 medium red bell peppers, chopped; 7 medium green onions, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 eggs, beaten

There’s nothing quite like the comforting sizzle of sausage mingling with fresh veggies and melty cheese first thing in the morning. This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe is my go-to for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to an effortlessly delicious brunch that’s full of flavor and texture.

A square piece of baked casserole with three visible layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of light-colored shredded potatoes mixed with small bits of green herbs and red bell peppers. The middle layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and more shredded potatoes with some green herbs. The top layer is a golden-yellow melted cheese with slightly browned spots, creating a bubbly texture. A silver fork rests on the plate, holding a portion of the casserole. In the blurred background, a clear glass baking dish filled with the same casserole rests on a red and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe is exactly what brunch dreams are made of—hearty, spicy, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. I love that you can prep it the night before, which takes a lot of pressure off your morning.

Spicy kick: The bulk spicy sausage brings just the right amount of heat that wakes up your taste buds gently but thoroughly.
Layered textures: Crisp-tender bell peppers, tender hash browns, and creamy eggs create a satisfying bite every time.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before, then pop it in the oven fresh in the morning—brunch success with zero stress.
Feeds a crowd: Perfectly sized to serve 8 to 10 hungry brunch lovers, making it a winner for family gatherings or weekend get-togethers.

The image shows a square glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden brown, slightly uneven melted cheese layer on top. Beneath the cheese are small pieces of browned meat and bits of red bell pepper scattered evenly throughout the dish. The edges of the casserole show some bubbling cheese that is slightly darker. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red patterned cloth underneath the baking dish. The photo is taken at a close angle, highlighting the texture and colors of the cheesy baked top layer clearly, with a shallow depth of field focusing on the front portion of the casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this casserole plays its part: the spicy sausage adds meaty depth and heat, while the veggies bring crunch and freshness. The hash browns soak up the egg mixture, making every bite creamy yet hearty.

Flat lay of thawed golden hash brown potatoes, crumbled spicy pork sausage browned to perfection, bright chopped red bell peppers, fresh sliced green onions with vibrant green tops, shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small piles, creamy whole milk in a glass jar, and whole eggs with smooth shells, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Frozen hash brown potatoes: Thaw them so they don’t release excess water in the casserole, ensuring a nice texture.
Bulk spicy pork sausage: You need that bold, savory spice to make this dish memorable—don’t skimp on it!
Red bell peppers: They add a bright, sweet crunch that balances the savory sausage.
Green onions: I love how they give a fresh, mild oniony flavor without overpowering the casserole.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheese is life here—use what melts well and adds creaminess.
Whole milk: This keeps the custard rich and smooth as it bakes.
Salt, pepper & garlic powder: The essential seasoning trio that ties everything together.
Eggs: The binding agent that makes this casserole set perfectly for slicing and serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this spicy sausage and veggie brunch casserole recipe based on what’s in season or what mood I’m in. It’s incredibly forgiving and perfect for a little kitchen creativity.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the red peppers for zucchini or mushrooms, especially when I want an earthier flavor. It never disappoints!
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cheese and milk alternative to make it welcoming for everyone at the table.
Milder version: If spicy’s not your thing, try substituting with mild breakfast sausage—you’ll still get plenty of flavor.
Extra veggies: Feel free to sneak in some spinach or kale chopped super fine for a nutrient boost without changing the texture much.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Peppers

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and add your bulk spicy pork sausage. Cook for about 4 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula as it browns beautifully. Then toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and the peppers soften just a bit. This step builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Layer Hash Browns and Cheese

Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then combine the sausage-pepper mix with your thawed hash brown potatoes in a 9”x13” baking dish. Stir in half the shredded cheese (about 1 cup) so it starts melting into the warm mixture. The cheese will add that gooey, rich layer you'll adore as it bakes.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Add Green Onions

In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Green onions go straight into this custard mixture, infusing the casserole with fresh onion notes right throughout rather than just on top.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layer in your baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—you’ll get a golden, bubbly crown once it’s baked. Bake in a preheated 375˚F oven for 40 to 50 minutes until the custard is set and the cheese is melted and bubbling. A little toothpick test confirms the eggs are cooked through.

Top Tip

From my many brunch experiments with this casserole, a few tips make a world of difference. I’ve found that prepping the sausage mixture ahead is a game changer, plus getting the seasoning just right ensures it’s balanced but never bland or overpowering.

Don’t skip browning: Getting the sausage perfectly browned adds that deep flavor you won’t get if you rush straight to the oven.
Drain excess grease: Excess fat can make the casserole soggy; removing it keeps your texture spot on.
Even layering: Mixing the sausage and hash browns uniformly before pouring in the custard helps every bite taste consistent and delicious.
Watch your bake time: Underbaking leaves runny eggs; overbaking dries out the dish. Check around 40 minutes and adjust accordingly.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe

Spicy Sausage Brunch - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a little fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of green. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce takes it to the next level, especially if you’re feeding spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and filling, so I usually serve it alongside a crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad to balance it out. Toasted crusty bread or buttery croissants work wonders too if you want to keep things indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch occasion, I’ve served individual portions of this casserole in small ramekins—perfect for fancy presentation and easy guest servings. You could also add a sprinkle of microgreens on top for a fresh, elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day brunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking—just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This is perfect for planning ahead or saving leftovers for a quick meal later in the month.

Reheating

I reheat leftover slices in the oven at 350˚F wrapped in foil to keep them moist, or for a quick fix, in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute spicy sausage with mild breakfast sausage or even a turkey sausage if you want to lighten it up. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but the casserole will still be delicious.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Consider using smoked paprika or chili flakes to keep the spice elements alive.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is fully cooked when the eggs are set and no longer runny in the center. You can insert a toothpick or knife into the middle; it should come out clean or with just a slight moistness, not liquid.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! One of my favorite parts about this Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe is how make-ahead friendly it is. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it fresh in the morning—perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors. I genuinely hope you give it a try—you’ll impress your brunch guests (or just yourself!) with minimal effort and big smiles all around.