Name: Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb chorizo; 10 eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained; 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated; 1 (28 oz) bag frozen potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion); Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful start to your day, you’re going to love this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s loaded with spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and all the cozy, comforting vibes you want for breakfast or brunch. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step to get it just right!

Southwest breakfast casserole - The image shows a close-up view of a cheesy baked casserole in a white ceramic baking dish. The dish is cut into square portions, revealing a golden brown top layer of melted cheese with crispy edges and some spots of darker browning. The cheese layer has a slightly rough texture with scattered green herb bits sprinkled on top. Beneath the cheese, a thicker, creamy layer is visible, likely a mixture of eggs and other ingredients, with some small pieces of vegetables or herbs. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth featuring a white checked pattern partially visible under one side of the dish. A metal spatula is placed under one slice, ready to serve, with the tip slightly lifting the piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe quickly became my go-to for weekend mornings when family and friends come over. It’s the perfect one-dish wonder that's flavorful, filling, and feeds a crowd without much fuss. I always enjoy how each bite delivers that spicy, cheesy goodness with subtle heat from the green chiles.

Bold flavor combo: Chorizo, green chiles, and chili powder team up for an authentic Southwest punch in every bite.
Effortless prep: Using frozen potatoes O'Brien makes this casserole super simple without sacrificing taste or texture.
Perfect for groups: This recipe feeds plenty, perfect for brunches, holidays, or batching for busy mornings.
Customizable comfort: Easily swap ingredients or toppings to suit your spice level or what’s in the fridge.

Southwest breakfast casserole - A rectangular white baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden brown top layer of melted cheese, bubbly and slightly crispy around the edges with darker brown spots. The cheese layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs, likely parsley. The casserole appears thick and dense, with the edges showing some darker browned bits. The dish is placed on a blue cloth with white grid lines over a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a special role, combining textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully. Shopping tip: using quality fresh chorizo and a good melting cheese like Colby Jack really elevates the dish.

Southwest breakfast casserole - Flat lay of fresh chorizo sausage with its rich reddish-brown color and slightly coarse texture, bright green diced fresh chiles glistening with moisture, whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small pile of grated Colby Jack cheese showing its creamy yellow and white marbled patterns, vibrant frozen potatoes O'Brien with visible pieces of green and red bell peppers and onions, fresh green sprigs of cilantro with delicate leaves, and a small mound of dried oregano with tiny green flakes scattered artfully, arranged naturally with some ingredients overlapping gently to create depth and interest, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Helps cook the chorizo evenly without sticking, and adds a mild fruity note.
Chorizo: The star protein with smoky, spicy flavor that gives the casserole its signature Southwest taste.
Eggs: The binding agent that sets everything into a fluffy, tender casserole.
Milk: Makes the eggs creamy and keeps the casserole moist as it bakes.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other spices.
Dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note that pairs well with the chorizo and chiles.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
Diced green chiles: Their mild heat and tang cut through the richness for a balanced bite.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
Frozen potatoes O'Brien: Convenient—pre-mixed with peppers and onions—adds a great base layer without extra chopping.
Cilantro or parsley: Optional fresh garnish that adds color and brightness right before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize depending on what you're craving or what's in your pantry. I love swapping out the chorizo for turkey sausage when I want something leaner or adding in fresh jalapeño slices for an extra kick.

Variation: When I make this for a vegetarian crowd, I swap the chorizo for seasoned black beans and skip the meat—it still packs plenty of flavor and protein.
Seasonal tweak: I sometimes toss in some sweet corn kernels or diced tomatoes for a fresh summertime spin.
Extra cheesy: Double up on the cheese for that addictive, gooey texture—your guests won’t complain!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep your dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. I always do this first so everything else goes smoothly without last-minute scrambling. Getting the pan ready early means your casserole won't stick and comes out in perfect slices.

Step 2: Cook the chorizo

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chorizo and break it apart as it cooks. You'll want to let it sizzle until it’s fully cooked with a bit of crispiness, about 7-8 minutes. That crispy texture really adds a nice contrast in your casserole. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.

Step 3: Whisk up the egg mixture

While the chorizo is cooling, whisk together the eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or liquid measuring cup. Then stir in the diced green chiles gently so they don’t break down too much. This egg mixture is what holds everything together and infuses those classic Southwest spices.

Step 4: Layer your casserole

Spread the frozen potatoes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. On top, scatter the cooked chorizo, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the grated Colby Jack cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, making sure it covers the ingredients below so it cooks evenly. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and rest

Bake your casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden, the cheese is bubbly, and the eggs are set. A good sign is when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the casserole rest a good 5 minutes before slicing—that step helps it firm up and makes serving a breeze without falling apart.

Top Tip

After making this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe several times, I’ve picked up on a few tips that really help make it shine. Paying attention to these can elevate your casserole from good to memorable.

Don’t thaw the potatoes: Using frozen potatoes straight into the dish keeps them crispy on the edges after baking.
Cook chorizo thoroughly: Crisp up the meat to avoid greasy spots and get that smoky flavor fully developed.
Fresh herbs finish: Adding chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving brightens each bite and adds fresh color.
Rest before cutting: Waiting a few minutes after baking lets the casserole firm up, so your slices hold together better.

How to Serve Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southwest breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note. Sometimes I drizzle a little salsa verde or a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess and zing.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with light sides like fresh fruit salad, sliced avocado, or even a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. It balances out the richness of the casserole and makes for a complete meal that feels festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, I’ve served this casserole in a cast-iron skillet right from the oven—everyone loves the rustic look. Another fun idea is to slice it into mini squares and serve as bite-sized brunch appetizers with toothpicks—perfect for nibbling while chatting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up well and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the casserole in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you ready to enjoy again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this way it keeps its texture and flavor nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I bake slices at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or zap them in the microwave for a quick fix. If reheating in the oven, covering with foil keeps the top from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different sausage instead of chorizo?

Absolutely! While chorizo gives this casserole its signature flavor, you can swap it with breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different but still tasty result.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next morning—just add a few extra minutes of cooking time if it’s cold straight out of the fridge.

What can I serve with Southwest Breakfast Casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, avocado slices, and simple green salads. For drinks, think fresh-squeezed orange juice or mimosas for a brunch vibe.

Can I reduce the spice level in this recipe?

Definitely! Use mild chorizo or reduce the amount of chili powder and green chiles to tone down the heat while still enjoying that Southwest flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly love this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it hits all the marks: easy to make, deeply flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for feeding guests or just treating myself on a lazy weekend. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!