Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
2. Prepare the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Break up the sausage with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and set aside.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. For a slightly crispier hash brown layer, you can pre-cook them in the oven for about 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns, followed by the diced onion and bell pepper. These add texture and flavor but are optional based on preference.
4. Mix the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and vegetable layers in the dish.
5. Add Cheese:
Top everything with shredded cheese. For a beautiful, golden crust on top, reserve a little extra cheese to sprinkle on in the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean, and the top should be golden and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve:
Allow the bake to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the casserole time to set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy with a side of fruit, toast, or a dollop of sour cream and salsa if desired!
