Breakfast Casserole with Sweet Potatoes

This breakfast casserole with sweet potatoes is a wholesome way to start your day with a hearty, veggie packed dish full of protein and flavor. It combines seasoned ground pork with nutritious vegetables and eggs, baking into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy mornings or a laid back weekend brunch. It reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

I first created this casserole when I wanted something comforting but healthy for weekend mornings. Now it’s become a favorite that friends and family request regularly because it feels like breakfast and dinner in one.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil or olive oil: these oils have a mild flavor and handle medium high heat well so your sweet potatoes cook evenly
• Sweet potato: peeled and cubed for natural sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm, unblemished potatoes
• Ground pork: freshly ground adds juiciness and flavor, if using pre made breakfast sausage, pick one with mild seasoning to complement the recipe
• Garlic powder: adds a warm depth of flavor that enhances the pork without overpowering
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs like oregano and basil for a fragrant touch, look for fresh packages to maximize aroma
• Crushed fennel seeds: bring a hint of licorice sweetness that pairs beautifully with pork
• Ground sage: a subtle earthiness that helps round out the spices
• Salt: use fine salt for even seasoning, kosher salt works well if you adjust quantity by volume
• Black pepper and cayenne: add mild heat and complexity, freshness is key for the best kick
• Red onion and red bell pepper: diced or thinly sliced for sweetness and texture, choose firm, brightly colored vegetables
• Spinach leaves: fresh and vibrant, wilted gently to keep nutrients and add a touch of green nutrition
• Large eggs: bind the casserole together and provide richness
• Optional toppings: creamy sliced avocado, spicy hot sauce, or fresh herbs to brighten every bite

Instructions

Heat oven:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 9 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a thin smear of oil. This keeps your casserole from sticking and helps with easy serving later.

Cook sweet potatoes:

Heat your chosen oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt and cover the pan. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the potatoes are just tender but not mushy. The cover traps steam to soften the potatoes perfectly.

Brown pork:

In a separate skillet over medium high heat, add the ground pork. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Cook until the pork is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary for a leaner casserole. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed fennel seeds, ground sage, one quarter teaspoon salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. This homemade seasoning mix gives rich savory notes and gentle spice.

Sauté veggies:

Add the diced or sliced red onion and bell pepper to the sweet potatoes. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers soften and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the cooked, seasoned pork mixture so all ingredients are evenly combined.

Whisk eggs:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eight large eggs with the remaining quarter teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy; this helps the casserole bake light and airy.

Assemble:

Spread the sweet potato, sausage, and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture all over, pressing down gently to make sure everything is submerged and well combined. This will give an even bake and cohesive texture.

Bake:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes. The dish is ready when the center is fully set and a knife inserted comes out clean. The edges may brown slightly, adding a lovely flavor.

Rest and serve:

Let the casserole stand for five minutes outside the oven to settle. Then slice it into six to eight pieces. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sliced avocado, hot sauce for a kick, or fresh herbs to brighten the dish.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the crushed fennel seeds elevate the pork filling by adding a subtle licorice note. It’s a flavor that always surprises guests and prompts requests for the recipe. This dish brings back memories of cold weekend mornings when I wanted comfort food that also lined us up for a busy day ahead.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well either in the microwave or in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven covered loosely with foil to keep the edges moist. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing to avoid freezer burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground pork can be swapped with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant based sausage for different protein options. Sweet potatoes can be replaced with butternut squash or regular potatoes, though cooking times may vary. Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard; just sauté a little longer to soften tougher greens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats. A drizzle of hot sauce or salsa adds a nice contrast for those who like spice. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives sprinkled on top add brightness and a pop of color.

This sweet potato breakfast casserole is hearty, nutritious, and simple to make for busy mornings. It reheats well and freezes nicely, making it a great make ahead meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-made sausage instead of ground pork?

Yes, pre-made sausage works well and can save time. Adjust seasoning to taste as some sausages are already spiced.

→ What type of oil is best for cooking?

Avocado or olive oil is recommended for a mild flavor and healthy fat profile. Both help in sautéing the vegetables and potatoes evenly.

→ How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

The center should be set and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean, usually after 20–24 minutes at 375°F.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made ahead for meal prepping, making it convenient for busy mornings.

→ Are there suitable alternatives for the vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms or kale based on preference while maintaining similar cooking times.