Farmer’s Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, cheese, and often a mix of veggies or sausage. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with a golden, cheesy top and soft, flavorful layers inside.
I love making this casserole on weekends when I have a bit of extra time—it’s easy to put together and great for feeding a crowd or saving for leftovers. One of my favorite tricks is to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving for a little extra brightness. It’s always a hit, no matter who I make it for.
This dish is perfect for breakfast or dinner, and I usually serve it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to make the meal feel complete. Plus, it’s a great way to use up odds and ends in your fridge, so nothing goes to waste. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy mornings and family gatherings around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground sausage: This adds great flavor and a bit of fat that keeps the casserole moist. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
Eggs and milk: These create the creamy base that holds everything together. For dairy-free, try almond or oat milk. Just make sure your eggs are fresh for best texture.
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts well and gives a nice sharp taste. Feel free to use mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend. Vegan cheese can work too for a dairy-free meal.
Hash browns: They add heartiness and soak up flavors. Fresh diced potatoes can be boiled first or use frozen hash browns—just thaw them well before mixing.
Vegetables (bell pepper, onion, tomato): These bring freshness and a bit of sweetness. You can mix in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead if you prefer.
How Do I Make Sure the Casserole Cooks Evenly Without Overcooking?
To get a perfectly cooked casserole, you want the eggs firm but not dry, and the cheese melted with a golden top. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your oven so the casserole starts cooking evenly right away.
- Use a medium heat to brown the sausage, avoiding burnt bits that can taste bitter.
- Make sure the vegetables are softened but not mushy before mixing them in.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and spread it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake uncovered so the top can brown nicely. Check at 35 minutes by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – I recommend this size because it holds all the ingredients well and bakes evenly.
- Skillet – a medium-sized skillet for cooking the sausage and sautéing the vegetables; it saves on dishes and keeps everything flavorful.
- Whisk – helpful for blending the eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – easy for combining all the ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise amounts of milk, cheese, and spices for consistent results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add crispy cooked bacon or ham for more meat flavor and extra crunch.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added veggies and color.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a shredded mozzarella blend for a different cheesy taste.
- Sprinkle chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil on top right before serving for fresh flavor.
How to Make Farmer’s Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork or breakfast sausage)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced cooked hash browns or frozen shredded potatoes, thawed
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes to cool after baking before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Take off the heat.
2. Mix the Egg Base and Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, thawed hash browns, diced tomato, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
3. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the middle is set and the top is nicely golden brown. When done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions, then slice and serve warm.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker prep.
Can I Make Farmer’s Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Substitute Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the bell pepper, onion, or tomato with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini based on what you have on hand or prefer.