There’s something so comforting about a hearty breakfast, don’t you think? It sets the tone for the entire day! My Southwestern Breakfast Casserole is a family favorite that brings a burst of flavor right to the table. It’s packed with delicious ingredients like eggs, cheese, and those vibrant bell peppers, making it not just a meal but an experience. I love how easy it is to whip up, and the best part? You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy! Trust me, this dish has become a staple in my household for a reason—it’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you love!)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a spicy blend works great)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 package tortilla chips (regular or spicy, your choice!)
How to Prepare Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly from the get-go. Nobody wants a soggy bottom or eggs that aren’t set properly, right? So, while we prep everything else, let the oven do its warming magic!
Mix the Egg Base
Grab a large bowl, and let’s whisk together those 8 eggs and 2 cups of milk until they’re nice and frothy. This is where the magic begins! Now, add in your colorful diced bell peppers, onions, and that delightful shredded cheese. Don’t forget the black beans—they add such a wonderful texture! Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Trust me, you’ll want to take a moment to appreciate that beautiful mixture!
Layer the Tortilla Chips
Now for the fun part—let’s crush those tortilla chips! I like to put them in a zip-top bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin until they’re broken into bite-sized pieces. Spread those crushed chips evenly in a greased baking dish. This is going to be the crunchy base of our casserole, so make sure it’s well-covered!
Combine and Bake
Once your tortilla chips are layered, it’s time to pour that glorious egg mixture over them. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every chip gets a taste of that cheesy goodness! Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center is set—no more jiggle! I like to peek in around the 30-minute mark just to check on it. It’s always so satisfying to see it rise!
Cool and Serve
After baking, let your casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make slicing easier and help it hold together nicely. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh cilantro or slices of avocado for that extra touch of flair. Now dig in and enjoy every bite of your delicious Southwestern Breakfast Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely packed with flavor from the spices and fresh ingredients.
- Super easy to prepare—just mix, layer, and bake!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day (if there are any!)
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s the ultimate breakfast hug!
Tips for Success
To make your *Southwestern Breakfast Casserole* even more delightful, here are a few tips I swear by! First, feel free to swap out the cheese for your personal favorite—pepper jack adds a nice kick! If you want some extra protein, adding cooked sausage or bacon can really take it up a notch. Also, don’t worry if you don’t have tortilla chips; crushed corn tortillas or even hash browns work beautifully as a base. Lastly, for a creamier texture, you can mix in a dollop of sour cream with the eggs. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of my *Southwestern Breakfast Casserole*. Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a solid idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
This casserole is not just delicious; it also packs a decent amount of protein to keep you energized throughout the morning. Enjoy it guilt-free and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Southwestern Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning for a warm, hearty breakfast.
What can I substitute for black beans?
If black beans aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for pinto beans or even cooked chorizo for a meatier option. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is super versatile. You can add in zucchini, spinach, or even corn. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave!
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole: 7 Irresistible Flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty Southwestern breakfast casserole packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 package tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add bell peppers, onions, cheese, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Crush tortilla chips and layer them in a baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the tortilla chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until eggs are set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or bacon for extra protein.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Southwestern Breakfast Casserole