Description
This Southwest Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for brunch or a satisfying breakfast. Featuring spicy chorizo, frozen potatoes O'Brien, eggs, and a delicious blend of cheese and spices, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to a mouthwatering golden finish. Serve it with fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 10 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 1 lb chorizo
Vegetables
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
- Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)
Spices and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Cook chorizo: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the meat is cooked through and somewhat crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix egg base: In a bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Whisk in the drained diced green chiles. Set aside.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the frozen potatoes O'Brien evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked chorizo, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the grated Colby Jack cheese over the top.
- Add egg mixture: Pour the egg and chile mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure it covers everything below.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and the eggs are set, about 45 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Colby Jack cheese to ensure it melts smoothly.
- You can substitute chorizo with breakfast sausage or ground turkey for a milder flavor.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried parsley can be used as a garnish.
- The casserole is ideal for weekend brunch and can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Ensure the frozen potatoes are evenly spread in a single layer to promote even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 310 mg
