Southwestern Sausage And Cheese Casserole
A flavorful, cheesy casserole with spicy Italian sausage and green chilies, topped with fresh tomatoes and served with sour cream and salsa—perfect for brunch or family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the dish the day before to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook and drain the Italian sausage.
- Cut the corn tortillas into 1/2-inch strips.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, garlic, onion, cumin, and pepper.
- Layer the tortilla strips and cooked sausage in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers and sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes or until set and golden.
- Garnish with sliced tomatoes before serving.
- Serve with light sour cream and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or a blend of cheeses such as pepper jack or cheddar. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage to speed up the process. To reduce the richness, substitute half of the eggs with egg whites. This dish can also be made with flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with sliced tomatoes for a fresh contrast. Complement the dish with light sour cream and salsa on the side. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Soft Tacos(Like Chi-Chi'S) or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Sausage And Cheese Casserole contains roughly 389 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 687mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with a plant-based alternative or adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Ensure to adjust the seasoning to maintain flavor.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is versatile and can be served with sides like a fresh avocado salad, refried beans, or even some crispy tortilla chips. For an extra kick, serve with your favorite hot sauce or pico de gallo.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).