Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 7x11 or 9x13 baking dish. Confirm the hashbrowns are completely thawed and pat them dry to prevent sogginess.

In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until it's fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If desired, add onions, red peppers, or celery and cook until softened.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Layer the hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spread the sausage mixture over the hashbrowns, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is slightly browned on top. If the edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set. Transforming side dishes into main meals can elevate your dining experience.

For best results, consider preparing the casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.

You can also experiment with different types of sausage to suit your taste, such as turkey, Italian, or even maple sausage. Incorporating various vegetables not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a burst of color and flavor to your dish.

Enjoy creating your own variation of this hearty casserole!