Hearty Farmers Casserole Recipe

The Perfect Farmers Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty farmers casserole brings together a symphony of rustic flavors that dance across your plate with comforting warmth.

Potatoes, eggs, and cheese merge into a delightful morning melody that awakens sleepy taste buds.

Memories of countryside breakfasts flood back with each savory bite.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky whisper to this classic dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Layers of ingredients create a satisfying canvas of textures and rich, bold tastes.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something magical that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Savor each forkful and let this farmers casserole transport you to a sunlit kitchen filled with love and delicious aromas.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Farmers Casserole?

The main ingredients are hash browns, eggs, milk, ham, cheese, and onions. These create a hearty and flavorful breakfast dish with protein and comforting textures.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. It reheats well and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored properly.

  • Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ham with vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based cheese and egg substitutes for a completely vegetarian version.

Why Farmer’s Casserole Is a Hearty Meal

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, from different meats to vegetarian options.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ingredients like hash browns, cheese, and ham, this casserole satisfies hungry appetites and brings smiles to the table.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one baking dish, creating a delicious meal with minimal kitchen cleanup and simple steps anyone can master.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches with friends and family.

Essential Ingredients for Farmer’s Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that create a crispy base for the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, melty flavor to the dish.
  • Ham: Savory protein that provides a smoky and hearty element to the casserole.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Essential for binding the casserole and providing a creamy texture.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and rich custard-like consistency.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Onions: Fresh onions that add a subtle, sharp taste and aromatic depth to the casserole.

How to Prepare Farmer’s Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) temperature, creating the perfect environment for a delicious breakfast casserole.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Create a delightful foundation by layering:
  • Crispy hash browns
  • Shredded cheese
  • Diced ham

Step 3: Create The Creamy Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Fresh eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Chopped onions
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Blend the ingredients until they’re smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine And Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a set, firm texture.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish settle and makes cutting and serving easier.

Slice into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting breakfast creation.

Tips for a Delicious Farmer’s Casserole

  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist and added vitamin boost.
  • Use vegetarian ham or tofu for a plant-based version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
  • Prep ingredients the night before to streamline morning cooking and save precious time.
  • Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top for extra flavor and vibrant color.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispness.

Variations to Try with Farmer’s Casserole

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hash browns and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and include chorizo instead of ham for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter breakfast casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Farmer’s Casserole

  • Brunch Bonanza: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of a weekend morning gathering with friends and family, pairing it with fresh fruit salad and mimosas.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare individual portions in muffin tins for quick grab-and-go breakfasts during busy weekdays, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or office potlucks, knowing it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.
  • Holiday Helper: Transform this casserole into a festive breakfast for Christmas or Easter morning, adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions for extra color and flavor.

How to Store Farmer’s Casserole Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze the casserole for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Hearty Farmers Casserole Recipe

Hearty Farmers Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

Description

Mexican-inspired farmers casserole combines hearty breakfast ingredients with zesty flavors for a satisfying morning meal. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting dish with simple pantry staples and enjoy a delicious start to their day.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen hash brown potatoes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cooked ham or sausage

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) green onions

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Generously coat a baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  3. Create a foundational layer of crispy hash browns across the bottom of the dish, spreading evenly for consistent coverage.
  4. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the hash browns, creating a rich and melty base.
  5. Distribute diced ham uniformly across the cheese layer to ensure every bite contains savory protein.
  6. Whisk eggs in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  7. Add milk to the eggs, whisking thoroughly to create a creamy liquid mixture.
  8. Incorporate finely chopped onions into the egg mixture, blending for balanced flavor distribution.
  9. Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to ensure even seasoning.
  10. Carefully pour the seasoned egg mixture over the layered hash browns, cheese, and ham, allowing it to seep through the ingredients.
  11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
  12. Check for doneness by observing a golden surface and firm, set texture.
  13. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow settling and easier serving.

Notes

  • Select frozen hash browns for a quicker preparation, ensuring they’re thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent a soggy casserole.
  • Customize protein options by swapping ham with bacon, sausage, or making it vegetarian with bell peppers and spinach.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor depth, and consider mixing cheeses like Gruyère or monterey jack for a more complex taste profile.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling the night before and refrigerating, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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