Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe

Start Your Day Right with This Ultimate Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Are you looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning? In a world where busy schedules often leave us grabbing a bar on the go, the desire for hearty, comforting meals at home has never been stronger. This Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe is the answer. It takes all the beloved components of classic biscuits and gravy – fluffy biscuits, savory sausage gravy, a rich eggy base, and crispy hashbrowns – and transforms them into a single, glorious baked dish. It’s the perfect brunch centerpiece, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, or simply a decadent way to treat yourself on a lazy weekend. Forget the fuss; this casserole is designed for maximum flavor with minimal stress.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Comfort

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, yet incredibly satisfying, combination of familiar flavors. We’ve included some optional additions to customize it to your liking. Think of the ingredients as an orchestra, each playing its part to create a delicious symphony.

• 1 lb. Breakfast Sausage: The savory foundation. Look for a good quality pork sausage with a nice fat content for flavor. Mild or spicy, your choice!
  • Substitution: Turkey sausage, plant-based sausage crumbles, or even diced ham can be used for a different flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Essential for making a rich, luscious gravy.
  • Substitution: You can use salted butter, but you might want to adjust the salt in the gravy later. Margarine or a neutral oil like vegetable oil can work in a pinch, but butter will yield the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: This will thicken our gravy into a creamy delight.
  • Substitution: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can be used if needed.
• 4 cups Milk: Whole milk will give the creamiest, richest gravy.
  • Substitution: You can use 2% milk. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used, but the richness will be slightly different.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it adds a wonderful kick.
• 1 (16 oz.) can Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits: The classic biscuit base. Refrigerated biscuits are a time-saver.
  • Substitution: Homemade biscuit dough, or even canned flaky layers biscuits will work. If using homemade, ensure they are partially baked before adding to the casserole.
• 2 cups Frozen Hash Browns (shredded or diced): For that irresistible crispy texture.
  • Substitution: Thawed and squeezed-dry shredded potatoes, or even home fries that have been cooked until tender.
• 6 Large Eggs: These bind everything together and add a lovely custardy texture.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Or your favorite melting cheese. For that gooey, cheesy layer.
  • Substitution: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gruyere, or a mix of cheeses.
• Optional: Chopped green onions or chives for garnish, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Timing: Savory and Speedy

This recipe is designed to be efficient, with a total time of under an hour, making it a feasible weeknight option if you’re craving something special. The average breakfast casserole might take longer due to more complex steps, but this streamlined approach ensures deliciousness without the extended wait.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Casserole Masterpiece

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

First things first, let’s get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish – this is the perfect size for our casserole. Give it a generous greasing with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent any sticking, ensuring your beautiful casserole slides right out.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. You’re aiming for that lovely cooked texture and rendered fat. Once it’s nicely browned and cooked through, drain off most of the excess grease, leaving just a tablespoon or two in the skillet. This residual fat will add extra flavor to our gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

To the skillet with the sausage drippings, add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This step toasts the flour slightly and cooks out the raw flour taste, creating a “roux.” Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste. Remember, this gravy is going to coat all those delicious components, so make sure it’s seasoned well!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re well combined. Pour the thickened gravy into the bowl with the whisked eggs. Stir in the shredded hash browns and about half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything gently until it’s all incorporated. Tear your refrigerated biscuits into bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the egg, gravy, hash brown, and cheese mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. This layering will ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set, puffed up, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with a lovely golden-brown hue. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the biscuit pieces should be tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

This is a tough but important step! Let your magnificent casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a hearty, high-protein, and satisfying meal. A typical serving (based on 8 servings) provides:

• Calories: Approximately 500-700 kcal
• Protein: Around 25-35g
• Fat: Approximately 35-50g
• Carbohydrates: Around 20-30g
• Fiber: 1-3g

(Note: These are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use an online recipe calculator with your specific ingredients.)

Healthier Alternatives: Indulge Wisely

Craving that comforting flavor but looking for lighter options? You can easily adapt this recipe without sacrificing taste:

• Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey sausage or chicken sausage, which have less saturated fat.
• Reduced-Fat Milk: Using 2% or even skim milk in the gravy will cut down on fat content.
• Whole Wheat Biscuits: If making homemade biscuits, incorporate whole wheat flour. For store-bought, look for whole wheat or reduced-fat options.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the hash brown mixture for added fiber and nutrients.
• Lower-Fat Cheese: Use a reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Portion Control: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the meal.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond Breakfast

While this casserole is a breakfast and brunch powerhouse, it’s versatile enough for other meals:

• Classic Brunch: Serve with fresh fruit salad, mimosas, or freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Hearty Dinner: Pair with a crisp green salad and perhaps some roasted asparagus for a complete and comforting dinner.
• Light Lunch: A smaller portion can make a satisfying and filling lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preventing these common pitfalls will ensure your casserole is a triumph:

• Under-seasoning the Gravy: The gravy seasons the entire dish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before assembling.
• Not Draining Grease: Too much grease can make the casserole oily. Drain most of it after cooking the sausage.
• Overcooking the Eggs: Baking at too high a temperature or for too long can result in rubbery eggs. Keep an eye on it!
• Undercooking Biscuits: Ensure the biscuit pieces are adequately covered in the egg mixture and baked long enough to be cooked through.

Storing Tips: Enjoy it Later

Leftovers are a gift! Once cooled, store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For a crispier top, you can uncover it for the last few minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions