Chorizo, Egg & Green Chili Breakfast Casserole: A Perfectly Hearty Start to Your Day

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, setting the tone for everything that follows. While some may lean toward a simple bowl of cereal or a piece of toast, there are mornings when something a little more satisfying is required. Something that not only wakes you up but also fills you with warmth and energy. That’s where the Chorizo, Egg & Green Chili Breakfast Casserole comes in. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the spicy chorizo to the creamy eggs, all topped off with tangy cheese and a hint of heat from green chilies. Whether you’re preparing for a busy morning or hosting a brunch for friends and family, this casserole will be the star of the show.

Print

With only a 20-minute prep time and 35 minutes of baking, this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or for busy mornings when you want to get a hearty breakfast on the table without much fuss. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and filling, providing everything you need to power through the day.

Why You’ll Love This Chorizo, Egg & Green Chili Breakfast Casserole

What makes this casserole stand out? Let’s start with the chorizo. This savory, spicy sausage is the star ingredient, infusing the dish with rich, bold flavors. As it cooks, the chorizo releases its oils, creating a flavorful base that the eggs will soak up. The heat from the chorizo is perfectly complemented by the tangy, mild heat of green chilies, giving the dish a unique and well-rounded spice profile.

The eggs, of course, provide a creamy and soft texture, binding everything together. But it’s the addition of cottage cheese that really makes the casserole special. It lends a light, fluffy texture while also keeping the dish moist and tender. The bell peppers and red onion bring a fresh sweetness to the casserole, cutting through the richness of the chorizo and cheese, while the sharp cheddar melts beautifully on top, forming a golden, bubbly crust. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, which adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you make it the night before and bake it the next morning, or assemble it fresh, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish to serve at a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even a family meal during the week. And with 10 servings, it’s ideal for feeding a group or having leftovers for the next few days.

Ingredients for Chorizo, Egg & Green Chili Breakfast Casserole

This casserole uses a combination of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 large eggs: The foundation of the casserole, providing a soft, creamy texture.
• 1 lb chorizo sausage (casing removed): Adds a spicy, savory flavor to the dish. Be sure to choose a high-quality chorizo for the best flavor.
• 1 cup 2% cottage cheese: Adds moisture and creaminess to the casserole, making the eggs fluffy without being overly rich.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the ingredients, balancing the richness of the cheese and sausage.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild warmth and depth to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor that complements the chorizo and spices.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a smoky, earthy warmth to the casserole, giving it a slightly spicy kick.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a deep, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chorizo and chili powder.
• 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch to the casserole, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
• 1 green bell pepper (diced): Brings a slightly bitter, crisp contrast to the sweet red bell pepper, adding complexity to the dish.
• ½ of 1 medium red onion (diced): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• 4 ounces diced green chilies: These provide a mild heat and a tangy flavor that adds a zesty bite to the casserole.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A classic topping for breakfast casseroles, the cheddar melts beautifully into the egg mixture and forms a golden, bubbly crust.
• ½ cup chopped cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish. Cilantro also helps to balance the richness and heat of the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Casserole

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious breakfast casserole. The process is straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a hot, hearty casserole ready to enjoy.

1. Cook the Chorizo

The first step in preparing this breakfast casserole is cooking the chorizo. Place the sausage in a pan over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks, ensuring that it cooks evenly and is crumbled into small pieces. Once the sausage is no longer pink, drain the excess fat and set the chorizo aside to cool. Cooling the sausage is important because it prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy and ensures that it mixes well with the eggs.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

While the sausage is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×12-inch casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. The cottage cheese helps to make the eggs fluffy and light, while the spices infuse the egg mixture with warmth and depth. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well-combined, ensuring that the cottage cheese is fully incorporated into the eggs.

3. Add the Vegetables

To the egg mixture, stir in the cooled chorizo, diced bell peppers, red onion, and green chilies. These vegetables not only add flavor and texture to the casserole but also bring a burst of color that makes the dish visually appealing. The sweetness of the bell peppers complements the spicy chorizo, while the onions and chilies add a touch of sharpness and heat.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Once the ingredients are fully combined, pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed. The cheese will melt as the casserole bakes, forming a delicious, golden-brown crust.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly browned on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If it’s still a bit jiggly in the middle, bake it for an additional 5 minutes until it firms up.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Cut the casserole into 10 equal-sized pieces and top each slice with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, and its bright green color makes the casserole even more visually appealing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this breakfast casserole is how customizable it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

• Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian casserole, you can replace the chorizo with a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work wonderfully in this casserole.
• Spiciness: If you like your breakfast with a little more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and cumin, or add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Make-Ahead Tips: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, simply bake it as directed. It’s a convenient option for busy mornings or for feeding a crowd.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is delicious on its own, you can pair it with several sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: A light fruit salad made with citrus fruits, berries, and melon pairs wonderfully with the richness of the casserole. The freshness of the fruit helps balance the savory flavors.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole provide a smooth, cool contrast to the warmth and spice of the casserole.
• Toast or Breakfast Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole with crispy toast or roasted breakfast potatoes. They’ll add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Final Thoughts

The Chorizo, Egg & Green Chili Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food. It’s savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor from the spicy chorizo, creamy eggs, and tangy green chilies. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick breakfast or serving it at a special brunch, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part is how versatile the dish is – it can be made ahead of time, customized with different ingredients, and paired with a variety of sides. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy breakfast or brunch recipe, look no further than this mouthwatering casserole.