1-First Step: Prepare Your Baking Dish Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This step sets the stage for assembling the Cowboy Breakfast Casserole, allowing the ingredients to bake evenly. Remember, this recipe works best when you plan ahead for overnight refrigeration, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule.

2-Second Step: Cook the Meats In a skillet over medium heat, cook 8 oz breakfast sausage (casings removed) and 8 oz chopped bacon until they’re browned and fully done, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess fat to keep things from getting too greasy, then set aside. This adds that hearty, smoky flavor that’s central to the Cowboy Breakfast Casserole and can be adapted with turkey bacon for a lighter option.

3-Third Step: Mix the Egg Base In a large bowl, whisk together 10 large eggs, 1 cup half-and-half, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and well combined. Stir in 1/2 cup pico de gallo, the thawed 28-ounce bag of frozen diced potatoes with peppers and onions, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked sausage and bacon mixture. This step creates the creamy heart of the Cowboy Breakfast Casserole, and you can tweak seasonings for dietary preferences.

4-Fourth Step: Assemble and Refrigerate Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours. This resting time lets the flavors meld, making the Cowboy Breakfast Casserole even tastier the next day. If you’re short on time, you can bake it right away, but the wait enhances the texture and taste.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the Casserole The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 50 to 55 minutes until it’s mostly set. Then, uncover it, sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup crispy tortilla strips, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up, ensuring clean slices for your meal.