Name: Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb chorizo; 1 (28 oz) bag frozen potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion); 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained; 10 eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)

There’s something truly comforting about waking up to a hearty, flavorful breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings together spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and vibrant green chiles for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.

The image shows a white baking pan with a thick, rectangular slice of lasagna removed, revealing the layers inside. The lasagna has multiple layers: golden melted cheese on top with light brown spots from baking, sprinkled with small green herb bits. Below the cheese, there are layers of red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat and creamy cheese, visible in shades of orange and brown. The sides of the pan have baked sauce stains, and there are small bits of sauce and cheese around the empty space where the slice was taken out. The pan is on a white marbled surface 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

I get genuinely excited every time I make this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it’s packed with bold flavors but demands very little babysitting. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings.

Bold Flavor Boost: The spicy chorizo combined with chili powder and green chiles creates layers of authentic southwestern taste.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s a great recipe to assemble the night before and pop in the oven in the morning.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies to suit your mood or pantry.

A close-up of a square slice of layered casserole being lifted from a white baking dish by a woman's hand holding a spatula. The casserole has three visible layers: a light golden bottom layer with soft chunks, a middle layer of crumbly browned meat, and a top layer of melted, browned cheddar cheese with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The white baking dish is set on a blue cloth with a white checkered pattern, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part to bring balance and real Southwest flair to the casserole. Using frozen potatoes O'Brien adds a ready-made mix of peppers and onions so you don’t have to chop extra veggies. And the Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully, giving creamy richness without overpowering the spices.

Flat lay of spicy chorizo sausage pieces, diced green chiles, vibrant frozen potatoes O'Brien with red and green pepper bits, shredded Colby Jack cheese mounds, a cluster of fresh green cilantro leaves, smooth whole eggs, glass of creamy milk, scattered chili powder and dried oregano sprinkles, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Helps cook the chorizo evenly and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Chorizo: This spicy sausage is the star, bringing smoky heat and flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together, making the casserole fluffy and satisfying.
Milk: Adds moisture, ensuring the egg mixture stays custardy, not dry.
Chili powder: Gives that warm, smoky kick characteristic of Southwestern dishes.
Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the spices.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
Diced green chiles: Bring mild heat and a slightly tangy brightness.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with a mild flavor that balances the spice.
Frozen potatoes O’Brien: Adds hearty potatoes, bell peppers, and onions all in one simple ingredient.
Cilantro or parsley: Optional fresh herbs add a touch of color and brightness at the end.

📝

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

I love tweaking this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Sometimes I throw in extra diced bell peppers or swap the chorizo for spicy turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Swap the sausage: I once tried this with cooked bacon instead of chorizo for a smoky twist, and it was fantastic.
Veggie boost: Adding extra chopped spinach or mushrooms is a great way to sneak in more veggies.
Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to suit dietary needs without losing the casserole’s heartiness.
Spice level: Adjust chili powder or add jalapeños if you want more heat or dial it back for a milder crowd.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Chorizo

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray — it makes cleanup effortless. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and break it up as it cooks until it’s browned and a bit crispy around the edges, about 7-8 minutes. This step adds so much flavor — those crispy bits really make the casserole sing! Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is combined well. Then stir in the drained green chiles. This mixture is the glue that holds the casserole together and infuses it with all those cozy southwestern spices.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spread the frozen potatoes O’Brien evenly on the bottom of your greased dish — no thawing needed, which saves time. Sprinkle the cooked chorizo right over the top, followed by 1 ½ cups of the grated Colby Jack cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all those layers, making sure it seeps down to bind everything. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the egg is fully set — you can test this by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Don’t rush the resting step! Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to help it hold together beautifully.

Top Tip

After making this Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe many times, I realized a few small tricks really elevate the result and make the process smoother for you.

Chorizo Texture: Don’t be shy about letting the chorizo get a little crispy—it adds a delicious crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft eggs.
Even Layering: Spread the frozen potatoes evenly but gently press them slightly to compact the bottom layer, which helps everything stick together when sliced.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking; it's way easier to slice and looks neater when plated.
Keep an Eye on the Cheese: If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during baking to avoid burning.

How to Serve Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southwest Breakfast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top — the fresh herbiness brightens all those bold flavors. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado on the side add an extra layer of creaminess and cool contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. For brunch parties, crusty bread or warm tortillas on the side let everyone scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during holidays or special breakfasts, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for grab-and-go servings. It’s perfect for entertaining because guests love having their own little Southwest bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. This way, I always have a quick breakfast option on hand for busy mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, which helps maintain that crispy cheese topping and prevents sogginess. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works too, but the texture isn’t quite the same.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the chorizo and add sautéed mushrooms, extra bell peppers, or even crumbled tofu seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder to keep that Southwest flavor.

What kind of chorizo should I use?

I recommend using Mexican-style fresh chorizo for its vibrant, spicy flavor and crumbly texture. Avoid Spanish chorizo that's cured and sliced; it’s quite different and won’t cook the same.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going in.

What if I don’t have frozen potatoes O’Brien?

No worries! You can substitute with diced frozen hash browns or pan-fry diced fresh potatoes with bell peppers and onions to replicate the O’Brien potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want a fuss-free meal that feels special. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do — it’s like a little fiesta on a plate every time!