Description
A hearty and flavorful Southwest Breakfast Casserole featuring spicy chorizo, diced green chiles, frozen potatoes with peppers and onions, and layers of melted Colby Jack cheese baked to perfection. This dish combines savory spices with creamy eggs and melted cheese, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch option for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chorizo
- 10 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion)
Optional Garnish
- Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chorizo: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it is fully cooked and somewhat crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the drained diced green chiles and set aside.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the frozen potatoes O’Brien in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly 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, spreading it out gently to ensure it covers everything below.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese on top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the cheese is melted and the egg mixture is set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Southwest Breakfast Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey chorizo for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before slicing helps it set and makes serving easier.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese if Colby Jack is not available for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make sure to thaw the frozen potatoes slightly to spread them more evenly, if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 375 mg
