This hearty breakfast casserole is packed with cottage cheese, turkey sausage, and fresh veggies. It’s a warm and filling dish, perfect for starting your day right!
Not to mention, it’s so easy to make! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and voilà! You’ve got a tasty breakfast ready to feed the whole family. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Sausage: This is the star ingredient! It’s leaner than pork sausage, making the dish healthier. You can substitute it with chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
Cottage Cheese: I love using small curd cottage cheese for its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese. Greek yogurt can also be a tasty substitute for a creamier consistency!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor. You can use mild cheddar if you prefer something less intense. Feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese for a lighter twist.
Bell Pepper: Any color works here! If you don’t have fresh bell peppers, frozen chopped peppers are a quick and handy substitute. You could also try spinach or zucchini for added greens.
How Do I Cook Turkey Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking turkey sausage properly is key for flavor and texture. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Start with a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the turkey sausage, breaking it into small pieces as you cook. This helps it brown evenly.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when there’s no pink left.
Don’t forget to drain any excess fat before adding it to your casserole mix. This keeps the dish from being overly greasy!
Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you can enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with some cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Cook the Turkey Sausage
In a skillet set over medium heat, add the turkey sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and completely cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remember to break it into small pieces while it cooks. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Add the cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and fluffy.
4. Combine the Veggies and Sausage
Add the cooked turkey sausage into the egg mixture along with the chopped onion, bell pepper, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and parsley or green onions. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
5. Pour into the Baking Dish
Now, pour this mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so everything cooks just right.
6. Add the Final Touch of Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy layer when it’s baked!
7. Bake It Up!
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly crisp.
8. Cool and Serve
Once done, take the casserole out and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This makes cutting easier and gives it a moment to set.
9. Garnish and Enjoy!
For some extra pop, garnish with more chopped parsley or green onions if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole!
This dish is perfect for breakfast or even as a brunch option. Enjoy!
Can I Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs?
Absolutely! If you want to make this casserole lighter, you can substitute whole eggs with egg whites. You’ll need about 1 cup of egg whites to replace the 8 large eggs, and it will still turn out delicious!
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the turkey sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly!