Embrace the rustic charm and heartiness of the countryside with this Farmer’s Casserole, a robust and satisfying dish that’s perfect for starting your day or enjoying as a comforting dinner. Combining layers of tender potatoes, savory meats, fresh vegetables, and creamy eggs, all topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese, this casserole is a tribute to simplicity and wholesomeness. Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd, meal prep, or bringing a touch of home-cooked warmth to any table, the Farmer’s Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Let’s gather the ingredients and bake our way to a meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Why You’ll Love Farmer’s Casserole:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ingredients that satisfy hunger and provide energy.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, fitting any mealtime need.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance, making your mornings or meal planning a breeze.
Ingredients Notes For Farmer’s Casserole:
- Potatoes: Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes form the base layer, providing heartiness and texture.
- Meats: Ham, bacon, or sausage add savory flavors. Choose cooked and crumbled or diced meats for ease of preparation.
- Eggs and Milk: Whisked together to create the custard base that binds the casserole ingredients.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for creamy meltiness.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms offer freshness and a pop of color.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional herbs or spices to enhance the overall flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Layers: If using frozen hash browns, thaw them first. Sauté any fresh vegetables until slightly softened. Cook and crumble or dice your choice of meat.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the potatoes as the base. Add the cooked meat and sautéed vegetables evenly over the top.
- Combine Eggs and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheese. Pour this mixture over the potato, meat, and vegetable layers in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Make Farmer’s Casserole A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (you can also use cooked bacon or sausage)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano) for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large, deep pie dish.
- Layer the Casserole Base:
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the hash browns, followed by the diced ham and green onions.
- Combine Eggs and Milk:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper (and paprika or dried herbs if using) until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Base:
- Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set up for easier slicing.