Cozy Farmers Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Breakfast Delight

Whipping up a hearty farmers casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to any kitchen table.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic midwestern dish.

Potatoes, eggs, and cheese create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Breakfast or brunch becomes an effortless celebration of simple, wholesome flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together.

Simple yet delicious, this casserole offers a perfect balance of protein and comfort.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

What Makes Farmers Casserole So Satisfying Tonight

Savor Hearty Comfort: This beef noodle casserole delivers pure culinary joy through its simple yet satisfying layers.

• Create Family Memories: A crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, comforting flavors and inviting aroma.
• Master Quick Cooking: No complicated techniques required – just basic ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Meal: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications like adding extra vegetables, swapping cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.

Farmers Casserole Ingredients For Family Dinners

• Hash Browns: A classic potato ingredient that provides a crispy and hearty foundation for the casserole.

• Ham, Eggs: Protein-rich ingredients that add substantial flavor and nutrition to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Onions, Bell Pepper: Ingredients that contribute depth and richness to the overall taste profile.

• Milk, Evaporated Milk: Creamy components that help bind the casserole and create a smooth texture.

• Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Spices and herbs that provide balanced and complementary seasoning.

• Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the casserole.

• Cooking Spray: A non-stick agent used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Farmers Casserole Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Hash Brown Foundation

Spread out the thawed hash browns across the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the delicious base of your casserole.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Layers

• Diced ham
• Chopped onions
• Optional bell peppers

Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese on top to add richness and depth.

Step 4: Craft The Creamy Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Evaporated milk
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Pour And Distribute

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure everything gets a nice, even coating.

Step 6: Add Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to create a golden, melty crust.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Slice, serve, and savor every delicious bite!

Handy Tips For The Best Farmers Casserole

• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Prep ingredients night before to save time during busy mornings and ensure smooth cooking process.
• Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and protein boost if you want more savory elements.
• Dice vegetables finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunky pieces disrupting casserole texture.
• Reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes if using smaller baking dish to prevent overcooking and drying out the casserole.

Twists On Farmers Casserole For Every Season

• Southwestern Fiesta Casserole: Replace ham with spicy chorizo, add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Morning Bake: Swap ham for crumbled feta cheese, mix in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Greek-style breakfast casserole.
• Bacon and Ranch Blast: Substitute ham with crispy bacon pieces, mix ranch seasoning into the egg mixture, and top with extra crispy bacon crumbles for a rich, savory flavor.
• Veggie Lovers Casserole: Replace ham with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell peppers, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Great Sides With Farmers Casserole On The Table

• Slice the casserole into hearty portions and arrange on a large wooden board. Add crispy bacon strips, fresh fruit slices, and small bowls of salsa or hot sauce for customizable flavor. Perfect for weekend gatherings where guests can serve themselves.
• Serve smaller wedges alongside a sizzling cast-iron skillet with extra crispy hash browns or sunny-side-up eggs. Drizzle with sriracha or green chile sauce for added zest. Ideal for creating a restaurant-style breakfast experience at home.
• Cut into portable squares and pack in a thermal container for outdoor meals. Pair with a light mixed green salad and tangy vinaigrette. Great for family reunions, church gatherings, or community events where shareable dishes shine.

Farmers Casserole Storage Made Simple At Home

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Prepare the entire casserole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Wrap carefully with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning or drying out.

FAQs

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Cover it tightly with foil and bake the next morning, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is it possible to use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover chicken for variety.

• How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Replace the ham with diced mushrooms, spinach, or additional vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to keep the protein and flavor profile.

Farmers Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Minnesota farmers casserole delivers hearty breakfast comfort with layers of potatoes, eggs, and cheese. Midwestern hospitality shines through this simple, satisfying morning dish families will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups hash brown potatoes (frozen, shredded or cubed, thawed)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup ham (cooked, cubed or diced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cooking spray
• Optional garnish: green onions or fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a uniform base by distributing thawed hash browns across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Construct a hearty layer by scattering diced ham, chopped onions, and optional bell pepper over the potato foundation, then generously blanket with the first portion of cheddar cheese.
4. Craft the liquid mixture by whisking eggs, milk, evaporated milk, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated.
5. Cascade the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire casserole surface.
6. Finalize the cheese topping by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the moistened layers.
7. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets firmly and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for easier serving, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize the dish by swapping ham with bacon, sausage, or keeping it vegetarian with roasted vegetables for a versatile breakfast option.
• Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy and affect its texture.
• Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves time.
• Reduce fat content by using low-fat cheese, skim milk, and lean protein options without compromising the delicious flavor profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg