Stuffed Hasbrowns

This is my meager attempt to make my own variation of my favorite breakfast at a little cafe I use to live by. After the owner died and it was never the same. No offense to current management.

So I've experimented with the recipe to make it healthier and more family friendly. I've made this for brunches, showers, Christmas morning, etc. It's a nice alternative if you aren't an egg fan. But if you are, you certainly could add it for more protein.


1 bag SHREDDED hash browns (thawed)
2 c Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 lb Ground sausage, browned
1/2 Green pepper, diced
1/2 Red pepper, diced
1 tsp Garlic, minced
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 T Olive Oil, divided
2 tsp Dried Oregano

1. Brown the sausage, drain and set aside.
2. Remove most of the grease from the pan and saute the peppers and garlic.
3. Freshly shred cheese for best results and even melting. Bagged, pre-shredded, wax coated cheese doesn't work as well.
4. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cheese, sausage, peppers/garlic, oregano, salt & pepper. Toss together until evenly mixed together.
5. Pour 1 T of olive oil to the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan. Spoon mixture into pan and press down to compress.
6. Drizzle 1 T of olive oil over the dish. (oil helps crisp it up)
7. Bake at 375 for 25-30 until cheese is melted. Can add a minute under the broiler for crisper hash browns.

Cost: $6.25
Hashbrowns $2.00 (sales at Meijer, Family Fare)
Cheese $1.25 (2 lb block from Costco is $4)
Peppers $2 (Aldi's sells multi-color 3-pack peppers for $3, green 3-pack for $2)
Sausage $1 (Aldi's 1 lb for $2 - my favorite of all ground sausages)

Variations
This is the perfect dish to play around with. Whatever you have on hand will work. It's like a pizza that becomes a blank canvas. Just keep cheese in for moisture & texture.

Bacon & Asparagus (my fav)
Mushrooms, Onions, & Peppers
Sausage, Bacon, Ham
Ham & Green Peppers
8 Eggs & Sausage
Mozzerella, Tomato, Peppers, & Onions

Any ideas on combos and variations for this one?
Sorry no final shot on these, baked them at the shower and the party comes first before pictures. Congrats Margie.