There’s something incredibly comforting about a breakfast casserole, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for lazy weekends or family gatherings. My Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole is a standout for sure—it combines all the vibrant flavors of nachos with the heartiness of breakfast, making it a favorite in my house. Just imagine digging into layers of crispy tortillas, zesty sausage, melty cheese, and a kick of jalapeños, all baked together until golden and bubbly. Trust me, this dish not only fills your belly but also brings everyone together at the table, sharing smiles and satisfied sighs. I love making it ahead of time, so when the morning rush hits, I can just pop it in the oven and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through the house. It’s a breakfast winner you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients List
Gather these ingredients to create your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole. Each element plays a vital role in building those delicious layers of flavor. Make sure you measure everything out ahead of time for a smooth cooking experience!
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, whatever you prefer!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for flavor!)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white works great)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (feel free to adjust based on your spice preference)
- 6 large eggs (make sure they’re fresh for the best results!)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% gives the best creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for that perfect kick)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (adds a warm, earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have everything ready, you’re just steps away from a fabulous breakfast that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious casserole! The process is pretty straightforward, but I’ll guide you through each step to ensure you nail it. Just remember to preheat that oven first, as this dish loves a hot start!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial—trust me, you want everything to cook evenly and come out perfectly!
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. The aroma will be irresistible!
- While the sausage is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, milk, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. This mixture is what pulls everything together.
- Now, let’s build our layers! In a greased baking dish, start layering the tortilla triangles to cover the bottom. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; just make sure they’re spread out.
- Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the tortillas. Then, add the black beans, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and sliced jalapeños. You want to distribute these ingredients as evenly as possible for balanced bites!
- Pour the egg mixture over the entire layered goodness, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. It’s gonna be so good!
- Finally, top it all off with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. More cheese equals more happiness, right?
- Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Ooh, the anticipation!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This helps everything firm up a little, making it easier to serve.
And there you have it—your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole is ready to impress! Just imagine cutting into those layers and seeing all that cheesy goodness. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or last-minute brunches.
- The hearty, nacho-inspired flavors are a fun twist on traditional breakfast, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds!
- It’s incredibly versatile—add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or even fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
- This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Leftovers are just as delicious, so you can enjoy it again the next day!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to help you make the most out of your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole. Trust me—these little tricks can elevate your dish and make the entire process smoother!
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before! Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream right before serving for a fun twist.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for a quick minute or two, or place the whole casserole back in a warm oven (about 350°F) until heated through. You want to avoid drying it out, so keep an eye on it!
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re serving a crowd, consider leaving the jalapeños on the side. This way, everyone can customize their spice level to their liking!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making an unforgettable Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown of a serving of my Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider them as a general guide rather than exact figures.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Remember, the joy of cooking comes from being able to customize your meals, so feel free to make substitutions that fit your dietary needs while still enjoying this delicious casserole!
FAQ Section
Can I make Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making this casserole ahead of time is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to save time in the morning. Simply assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but trust me, it’ll be just as delicious!
What can I use instead of breakfast sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives to breakfast sausage, you’ve got options! Ground turkey or chicken can work beautifully if you want a leaner protein. You can also use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist, or even crumbled bacon if you’re a bacon lover! Just remember to adjust the cooking time and seasonings as needed to keep those flavors on point!
How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjusting the spice level of your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole is super easy! If you like it mild, simply reduce or omit the jalapeños. You can also swap them for bell peppers or omit them entirely. Want to kick it up a notch? Add more jalapeños, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra punch. Just make sure to taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole, the options are endless! To truly elevate the meal, I love pairing it with a few delightful sides that complement those bold nacho flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole. Think juicy berries, sweet melons, and zesty citrus!
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt on top of each slice adds a cool, tangy finish that balances out the spices perfectly.
- Guacamole: You can never go wrong with guacamole! It’s creamy, rich, and pairs beautifully with the flavors of the casserole. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra avocado?
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can be a great way to lighten up the meal.
- Spicy Salsa: Serve some fresh or chunky salsa on the side for those who want an extra kick. It adds a nice burst of flavor with every bite!
- Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned breakfast potatoes or hash browns can round out the meal nicely, giving everyone that satisfying breakfast feel.
Mix and match these sides based on your mood, and watch as your family and friends dig in with delight! The combination of flavors and textures will surely make for a memorable breakfast experience. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole properly will keep it delicious for days! If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), here’s how to do it right:
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tight to keep that cheesy goodness in!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the casserole! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes! It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first for best results. For reheating the whole casserole, you can place it back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed all the way through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. You want that cheesy, melty goodness back!
With these simple steps, you can savor the flavors of your Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole even after the first serving. Trust me, it’s just as tasty the next day!
Print
Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole: 7 Steps to Deliciousness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole loaded with nacho flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into triangles
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until browned.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the tortilla triangles in a greased baking dish.
- Add cooked sausage, black beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and half of the cheese over the tortillas.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other toppings like avocado or sour cream.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Loaded Breakfast Nacho Casserole
