Lightning-Fast Sausage Casserole

Featured in: Slow Sunday Meals

This flavorful casserole combines browned sausage with sautéed bell peppers and onions layered over cubed bread. Topped with shredded cheddar and a seasoned egg mixture, it bakes to a golden finish, offering a warm, hearty dish ideal for morning gatherings. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it balances protein and comfort with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

The dish can be adapted by substituting sausage types or adding spinach and mushrooms for extra veggies. Serve warm and allow to cool briefly for best texture and flavor.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:02:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, a savory skillet bake with tender bread and cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, a savory skillet bake with tender bread and cheese. | velvetthyme.com

A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole packed with sausage, eggs, and cheese& perfect for busy mornings and guaranteed to please a crowd.

This casserole has become my go-to for busy mornings when I want something filling and satisfying without fuss.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450 g), casings removed
  • Diced bell peppers: 1 cup (120 g), any color
  • Diced onion: 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Cubed day-old bread: 4 cups (200 g), white or whole wheat
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
  • Large eggs: 8
  • Milk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
  • Butter (for greasing): 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Preheat and grease baking dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Cook sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté vegetables:
Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Assemble layers:
Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.
Add cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.
Mix eggs and milk:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20 25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Cool before serving:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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| velvetthyme.com

My family loves gathering around this casserole on weekend mornings it brings us together with smiles and full bellies.

Notes

Serve with hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.

Required Tools

Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and possibly soy (in some sausages or bread). Check labels for more details.

Freshly baked Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, showcasing browned sausage and colorful peppers, perfect for serving. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Lightning-Fast Breakfast Sausage Casserole, showcasing browned sausage and colorful peppers, perfect for serving. | velvetthyme.com

This sausage casserole is sure to become a breakfast staple with its ease and comforting taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative?

Yes, plant-based sausage works well as a substitute, providing a similar texture and flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.

What breads are best for this casserole?

Day-old white or whole wheat bread cubes absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, creating a satisfying base.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely, adding spinach, mushrooms, or other diced vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor.

How do I ensure the casserole cooks evenly?

Evenly layering ingredients and baking uncovered at 375°F allows the eggs to set properly and the top to lightly brown.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenience.

Lightning-Fast Sausage Casserole

Savory sausage, eggs, and cheese baked with bell peppers and bread for a quick, flavorful morning meal.

Prep time
10 min
Time for cooking
25 min
Total process time
35 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Slow Sunday Meals

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 6 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

List of ingredients

Protein

01 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed

Vegetables

01 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
02 1/2 cup diced onion

Bread & Dairy

01 4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
02 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
03 8 large eggs
04 1 1/2 cups milk

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking

01 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 04

Assemble casserole base: Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread.

Step 05

Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture.

Step 06

Prepare custard and pour: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) in a large bowl. Pour the mixture evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish.

Step 07

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 08

Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Essential tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and potentially soy depending on sausage and bread brands.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 26 g
  • Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein amount: 23 g