Farmer’s Casserole is the kind of homey, comforting dish that feels like a big, warm hug. It’s a simple mix of hearty ingredients like tender potatoes, savory sausage or ground beef, plenty of melted cheese, and often a bit of onion or bell pepper for a little brightness. The top gets perfectly golden and crispy, making every bite so satisfying.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy to prepare but still filling enough to feed a hungry crowd. It’s one of those recipes that’s forgiving—you can swap out the meat or veggies based on what you have in the fridge. I like to add a little extra cheese on top right before baking because, well, cheese makes everything better in my book.
This casserole is great for any time you want a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. I especially enjoy it on chilly evenings with a simple green salad on the side. It’s one of those recipes that sticks in your memory because it’s so cozy and satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or comforting yourself after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground sausage or beef: This gives the casserole its rich, meaty flavor. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tofu or plant-based meat works well.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together for that nice, fluffy texture. Use large eggs for consistency. For a dairy-free option, you can try a vegan egg substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.
Hash browns or diced potatoes: These add heartiness and absorb flavors. If you can’t find hash browns, thinly sliced potatoes or even cooked sweet potatoes add a tasty twist.
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness. You can switch to mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little kick. Use dairy-free cheese if needed.
Milk: Milk makes the egg mixture creamy. Any milk will do—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk work fine, just choose unsweetened.
How Do I Make Sure My Farmer’s Casserole Bakes Evenly and Sets Perfectly?
Baking this casserole evenly is key to getting it just right—set in the middle but still moist, with a golden cheese topping.
- Preheat your oven fully before putting the dish in to help cooking start right away.
- Use a shallow baking dish so the casserole cooks evenly and faster.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; spread ingredients in an even layer to let heat circulate.
- Check doneness by gently shaking the dish—the center should be firm, not jiggly.
- Let it rest after baking for 5 minutes. This helps it finish setting and makes serving cleaner.
These tips helped me avoid a soggy or undercooked center, making each slice perfect every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking dish – I recommend this size because it cooks evenly and is easy to handle.
- Skillet or frying pan – useful for cooking the sausage and onions quickly and evenly.
- Whisk or fork – makes mixing the eggs and milk smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurately measuring ingredients like milk and cheese.
- Rubber spatula or spoon – helps spread ingredients evenly in the baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different smoky flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale for a greens boost and added nutrients.
Farmer’s Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage or ground beef
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked hash browns or diced potatoes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Farmer’s Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. So, in total, expect around 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Meat and Onions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground sausage or beef until it’s browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any extra fat. Add the diced onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they’re soft. Take the pan off the heat.
3. Layer the Base:
If you’re using hash browns or diced potatoes, spread them evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Then spread your cooked meat and onion mixture evenly on top of that.
4. Mix and Pour the Eggs:
In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour half of this egg mixture over the meat layer in the dish.
5. Add Cheese and Tomatoes:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the eggs. Next, add your sliced or diced tomatoes on top. Then, pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over everything.
6. Top It Off and Bake:
Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is lovely and golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it finish setting, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions and some thyme sprigs if you like.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy Farmer’s Casserole — a simple, hearty meal perfect any day of the week!
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns or Potatoes?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the casserole to avoid a soggy texture.
Can I Prepare Farmer’s Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Meat?
Yes, you can swap ground sausage or beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference.
