Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage

Last updated: Nov 7, 2022 by ·

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole layers hash browns, sausage or ham, eggs, and a generous helping of cheese for an easy breakfast the entire family will love. Let this cook overnight in your Crock Pot or fix it in the morning, either way it's delicious!

Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage

I love easy recipes in the slow cooker like Slow Cooker London Broil, Lazy Lasagna, or this Crockpot breakfast casserole. It's perfect for holidays like Christmas morning when you don't want to cook, brunches, or sleepovers. You can let this casserole cook on low overnight or pop it in first thing in the morning to eat a few hours later.

Need more breakfast recipe inspiration? Try our Overnight Waffle Casserole, Everything Bagel Overnight Breakfast Casserole, or these Sheet Pan Eggs.

Ingredients

  • Hash Browns - frozen shredded hash browns work best for this recipe. You can make it with diced potatoes as well but I've found that shredded has the best end result.
  • Meat - Make this with ground sausage, diced ham, or cooked and crumbled bacon, whichever you prefer! If making with diced ham or crumbled bacon I recommend adding some of the variations I list below the instructions to add more flavor.
  • Eggs - Use 10-12 eggs for this recipe, whipped up with some milk with a whisk. You can also use the equivalent amount of egg substitute if you prefer.
  • Cheese - I make this breakfast casserole with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese but feel free to experiment and try different varieties to change up the flavor!
  • Toppings - you can really get creative with toppings! I go simple with some chopped green onion most of the time but diced bell peppers, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream are all delicious additions as well.

Step by step

  1. Spray the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
  2. Cook and crumble the meat in a large skillet if needed, set aside.
  3. In your Crock Pot, layer frozen hash browns followed by meat. Pour the egg mixture over the top and then top with cheese.
  4. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 2 ½-3 hours.
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings!
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage
Crockpot breakfast casserole with hash browns and sausage

Variations

  • Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or even green chiles or jalapeño to the egg mixture
  • Stir the hash browns/meat/eggs before topping with cheese to mix the layers
  • Use southwestern flavored hash browns to add spice to the egg casserole
  • Use maple breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory mix
  • Omit the meat and add chopped veggies for a meat-free version
  • Top with diced avocado
  • Add salt, garlic powder, or dry mustard to taste
  • Use colby jack, pepper jack, monterey jack, or another variety of cheese

FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk?

Yes, substitute the same amount of evaporated milk as regular.

How long do you cook slow cooker breakfast casserole?

You can cook this overnight on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 2 ½-3 hours or until the eggs are set.

How to I keep this breakfast casserole from tasting bland?

I get the best result with this casserole when I make it with a seasoned ground sausage. If making with ham or bacon I suggest adding some additional flavor with the variation suggestions above to avoid a bland result.

Can I double this recipe?

Unless you have a very large slow cooker I do not recommend doubling this recipe as it will likely not cook through properly.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! This freezes very well. Let it cook completely then remove to a freezer safe container. You can freeze it in individual portions for a fast grab and go breakfast as well!

How long will leftovers last?

Keep leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. For storing longer I recommend freezing it.

How do I reheat this casserole?

Easily reheat from refrigerated or frozen in the microwave. Start with 1 minute and add 30 second increments until heated through.

If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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Description

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole layers hash browns, sausage or ham, eggs, and a generous helping of cheese for an easy breakfast the entire family will love. Let this cook overnight in your Crock Pot or fix it in the morning, either way it's delicious!


  • 32 ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 pound ground sausage, ham, or bacon; cooked and crumbled or diced
  • 12 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • green onion or salsa (optional)


  1. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add frozen hash browns to the bottom and top with the meat.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together eggs and milk until blended. Pour over the hash browns and meat.
  3. Spread shredded cheese over the mixture.
  4. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 2 ½-3 hours or until eggs are set.


Notes

  • Nutritional information is for casserole made with ground sausage
  • For best results, if using ham or bacon add some of the variations below for additional flavor

Variations:

  • Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or even jalapeño to the egg mixture
  • Stir the hash browns/meat/eggs before topping with cheese to mix the layers
  • Use southwestern flavored hash browns to add spice
  • Use maple breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory mix
  • Omit the meat and add chopped veggies for a meat-free version

Keywords: slow cooker breakfast casserole

This recipe was originally published in September 2011 and updated with additional information and new photos in September 2020.

Update 1/11/13!  This recipe was one of the top 100 recipes of 2012 over at AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes.com!!  Thanks everyone who clicked, pinned and ate 🙂

More Breakfast & Brunch

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Reader Interactions

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Do you thaw hash browns for casserole?

As with any other ingredients, it's recommended to thaw hash browns before cooking. Cooking them frozen will cause the heat to spread unevenly and your hash browns might cook from the outside, while the inside remains frozen. Cooking them frozen might also result in them becoming too mushy and/or watery.

What do you serve with a breakfast casserole?

What to Serve With Breakfast Casserole.
Easy Cinnamon Rolls..
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls..
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Crumb Cake..
Banana Muffins or Blueberry Muffins..
Baked Oatmeal..
Banana Bread or Zucchini Bread..

How long can breakfast casserole be refrigerated before cooking?

You can either bake breakfast casserole immediately or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.

What is hash brown casserole made of?

Either way, I'm still calling them cheesy potatoes, or Hash Brown Casserole. This version uses diced hash brown potatoes. The potatoes are mixed with a cheesy sauce and topped with corn flakes and butter before baking. The finished casserole is creamy, cheesy, buttery, and crunchy.