If you are searching for a hearty, flavorful, and utterly comforting breakfast that will wow your family and friends, this Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with warm spices, layers of tender corn tortillas, savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and a luscious salsa-infused egg custard, it offers a vibrant combination of textures and tastes that instantly brighten your morning. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or any day you crave a satisfying dish that feels like a fiesta on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its approachable ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component has a purpose, contributing rich flavors, creamy textures, or colorful vibrancy that make every bite a delight.
- 12 corn tortillas: The base of the casserole, providing an authentic texture and earthy flavor that sets the tone.
- 1 lb sausage: Adds a savory, spiced protein layer that’s the star of this dish’s heartiness.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Infuses the sausage with bold Mexican-inspired spices.
- 2 cups salsa (divided): Brings brightness, tang, and moisture, tying all the elements together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and melty richness within the layers.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy contrast that complements cheddar perfectly.
- 16 large eggs: The binding agent that creates the custardy texture you’ll love.
- 1 cup sour cream: Makes the egg mixture irresistibly creamy and tender.
- 12 oz Velveeta: Used for the luscious cheese sauce topping, ensuring every slice is decadent.
How to Make Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish and Tortillas
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. Soften the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 to 60 seconds—this makes them pliable for lining the dish. Once soft, arrange the tortillas to cover the bottom and at least an inch up the sides of your baking dish to form a sturdy yet tender base that will hold all your wonderful ingredients.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Sausage
Next, take a large skillet to cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat until it loses its pink color. Properly cooking it ensures full flavor and safety. Drain the excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily. Then stir in the taco seasoning and half a cup of salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, allowing the spices and salsa to infuse perfectly into the meat for a burst of savory goodness.
Step 3: Layer Sausage and Cheese
Evenly spread the seasoned sausage over the tortilla-lined dish, creating a flavorful protein layer. Follow up by sprinkling shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. These cheeses melt beautifully, adding gooey, cheesy pockets within the casserole that make every forkful satisfying and indulgent.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, 1½ cups of salsa, and sour cream, seasoning the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. This creamy, spiced custard will soak into the layers below, setting into a smooth, luscious texture. Pour this mixture carefully over the sausage and cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface and seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Set
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs have fully set and the top shows a tempting golden glow. This slow baking melts the cheese thoroughly and allows the flavors to marry beautifully, making your kitchen smell like a Mexican breakfast dream.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Topping
While the casserole bakes, prepare the decadent cheese sauce by combining Velveeta and the remaining salsa in a medium bowl. Melt the mixture in the microwave until silky smooth. This sauce is the perfect finishing touch to drizzle over each serving, adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence and tang.
How to Serve Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish and brighten the flavors, garnish your casserole slices with fresh cilantro and creamy avocado slices. The cilantro adds a vibrant herbal note, while the avocado lends a buttery texture that balances the spicy sausage and cheesy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty casserole with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, warm refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments provide refreshing contrasts and make the meal even more well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or scalloped plates, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and extra salsa on the side for dipping. You can also set up a toppings bar with sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, and green onions for guests to customize their portions just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container to keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. If using the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will give you a softer, less textured base, which some people prefer. Just be sure to use larger-sized tortillas and layer them well to hold all the ingredients.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Just adjust the seasonings accordingly for the best flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it in the morning, adding about 10 extra minutes to the bake time since it’s chilled.
What kind of salsa works best?
A medium or mild salsa with a good blend of tomatoes, onions, and peppers works best to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
Can I use different cheeses?
Of course! Pepper Jack could add a nice spicy kick, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar works beautifully. The key is to use cheeses that melt well for that gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines ease and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re serving a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this dish offers comforting warmth and bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be shy—give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to breakfast recipes.
Print
Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A hearty and flavorful Mexican Sausage Breakfast Casserole perfect for brunch or a satisfying breakfast. Layers of seasoned sausage, melted cheese, soft corn tortillas, and creamy eggs are baked to perfection and topped with a creamy Velveeta salsa sauce. Easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 2 cups salsa (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 16 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheese Sauce
- 12 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds until they are soft and pliable. Line the bottom and about one inch up the sides of the prepared baking dish with the softened tortillas.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and half a cup of salsa, then simmer for five minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the seasoned sausage evenly over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top of the sausage.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1½ cups of salsa, and sour cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Make Cheese Sauce: While the casserole bakes, prepare the cheese sauce by combining the Velveeta cheese and 1 cup salsa in a medium bowl. Microwave until melted and smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked, cut the casserole into slices, spoon the warm cheese sauce over each serving, and garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado if desired.
Notes
- To soften tortillas, ensure they are covered with a damp paper towel before microwaving to prevent drying out.
- You can substitute Velveeta with another melting cheese for the sauce if preferred.
- For added freshness, top the casserole slices with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream when serving.
- Make sure the eggs are fully set before removing from the oven to avoid a runny center.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated; bake fresh in the morning adjusting the baking time slightly if chilled.
