Crockpot Chorizo Breakfast Casserole

Serves: 6-8 | Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW

Let’s Talk Breakfast 🍳

This crockpot chorizo breakfast casserole is the kind of recipe you wake up happy about. You toss everything in the slow cooker the night before, and when you roll out of bed—boom—your kitchen smells amazing and breakfast is DONE. No stress. Just warm, cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite.

🧀 Why I Love This Recipe

This has become a go-to for holidays, brunches, or just a lazy Sunday. I first made it on a Christmas Eve, and let me tell you—waking up to that smell was better than presents. Everyone kept going back for seconds.

• It cooks while you sleep.
• Feeds a crowd with very little effort.
• You can swap in what you’ve got in the fridge.
• It reheats like a dream.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground chorizo (spicy or mild, your call)
• 2 cups frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for topping)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Non-stick spray or butter for greasing crockpot

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• 6 to 8-quart crockpot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spray or butter

💡 Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook the chorizo. It adds flavor and keeps things from getting greasy.
2. Grease the crockpot well. Eggs love to stick.
3. Use a liner if you have one. Makes cleanup way easier.
4. Shred your own cheese. Melts smoother and tastes better.
5. Let it rest after cooking. This helps it set and slice neatly.

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Eggs set gently in the slow cooker, binding everything together without overcooking. Chorizo adds fat and spice, boosting flavor. The frozen hash browns release just enough moisture to keep things fluffy without getting soggy. The cheese melts into the layers, locking in moisture and adding richness.

🧊 Make Ahead Tips

• Brown the chorizo the day before and store it in the fridge.
• Chop veggies in advance and keep them sealed in a container.
• Assemble the full dish and refrigerate overnight, then start the crockpot in the morning.

🥘 Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chorizo

In a skillet, cook 1 lb ground chorizo over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Grease the Crockpot

Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick spray (or rub with butter).

Step 3: Layer Ingredients

Add 2 cups frozen hash browns, ½ cup diced bell peppers, 1 lb cooked chorizo, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot. Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped green onions over the top.

Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Milk

In a bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Pour Mixture Into Crockpot

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot.

Step 6: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until eggs are set.

Step 7: Serve

Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Slice and top with extra green onions or your favorite salsa.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
• Freeze individual portions for grab-and-go breakfasts!

🧠 Why This Recipe Works

• Slow cooking = creamy eggs that don’t dry out.
• Fat from chorizo keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Hash browns act like a sponge for flavor and texture.

🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas

• Make on Sunday for breakfasts all week.
• Serve as part of a brunch board with fruit and muffins.
• Pair with avocado toast or a green smoothie for balance.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Skipping the grease drain: Makes it too oily.
• Not whisking eggs well: Can lead to uneven texture.
• Overcooking: Eggs get rubbery. Check at 6 hours if your slow cooker runs hot.

🍅 What to Serve With

• Fresh fruit salad
• Sliced avocado
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Buttery toast or English muffins
• Simple green salad (trust me, it’s good)

❓ FAQ

Can I use sausage instead of chorizo?
Yep! Breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage work great.

Do I have to use frozen hash browns?
Nope—you can use fresh, just squeeze out the moisture first.

Can I make it vegetarian?
For sure. Swap the meat for black beans, mushrooms, or plant-based sausage.

Can I double it?
Only if you have a larger crockpot. Otherwise, it might not cook evenly.

🥄 Wrap-Up

This chorizo breakfast casserole is the kind of meal that makes mornings feel easier—and more delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a total win. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments. Got a question? I’m here to help!