Can I add cheese to this breakfast casserole recipe?

Yes! Cheese is a great addition to a sweet potato breakfast casserole if you’d like extra richness. Cheddar, feta, or goat cheese all melt nicely and add flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply leave it out the casserole will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can layer the ingredients in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Keep in mind, the texture will be softer than the oven-baked version.

What is the difference between a breakfast casserole and quiche?

A quiche is typically made with a pastry crust and a custard-like egg filling that’s rich and creamy. A breakfast casserole, like this one, skips the crust and uses eggs, vegetables, and proteins baked together. It’s heartier and often better for meal prep.

Is pork sausage the same as ground pork?

Not quite. Ground pork is plain, while pork sausage is already seasoned with spices like sage, fennel, and garlic. In this recipe, you can use either just adjust your seasonings if you start with plain ground pork.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can. Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a meat-free option, simply skip the sausage and add more vegetables or use plant-based sausage crumbles. The eggs and sweet potatoes still provide plenty of flavor and structure.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

Description

A veggie-packed, protein-rich breakfast bake made with homemade seasoned ground pork, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, red onion, spinach, and eggs. It reheats beautifully for meal prep and doubles as an easy brunch main.

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups diced)
½ lb ground pork (or pre-made breakfast sausage; see Notes)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon fine salt, divided, plus more to taste
Pinch black pepper
Pinch cayenne
½ small red onion, diced or thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
½ red bell pepper, diced or thinly sliced (about ⅔ cup)
3 cups fresh spinach leaves
8 large eggs
Optional for serving: sliced avocado, hot sauce, fresh herbs

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Instructions

Heat oven: Preheat to 375°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with spray or a thin film of oil.
Cook sweet potatoes: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add diced sweet potato and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender.
Brown pork: In a separate skillet over medium-high, add ground pork. Break into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fennel, sage, ¼ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
Sauté veggies: Add onion and bell pepper to the sweet potatoes; cook 3–4 minutes until peppers soften and onions turn translucent. Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pork.
Whisk eggs: In a bowl, whisk eggs with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.
Assemble: Spread the sweet potato–sausage mixture in the prepared dish. Pour eggs evenly over the top, pressing gently so all ingredients are submerged.
Bake: Bake 20–24 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Rest & serve: Let stand 5 minutes. Slice into 6–8 portions. Serve with avocado, hot sauce, and herbs if desired.

Notes

Using pre-made sausage: If you substitute pre-made breakfast sausage, omit the added seasonings (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fennel, sage) and salt to taste.
Pan size swap: A 9×13-inch pan yields thinner slices; start checking for doneness at 16–18 minutes.
Make-ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 3–5 minutes.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, slice, and freeze individually up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave until hot.
Dairy option: For a cheesier casserole, fold ½–1 cup shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled feta into the egg mixture.
Vegetarian swap: Replace pork with 1 ½ cups sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or plant-based sausage crumbles.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American