Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

This veggiepacked, proteinrich breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Made with homemade seasoned ground pork, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, red onion, spinach, and eggs, it offers a comforting and nutritious start to your day. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead.

I first made this casserole on a chilly weekend morning and loved how the blend of spices and sweet potatoes warmed up our kitchen. Now it's become a regular on our brunch menu, especially when we want something wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil or olive oil: to sauté the vegetables and keep things hearthealthy
• Sweet potato: peeled and cubed adds natural sweetness and lots of fiber—look for firm, unblemished potatoes
• Ground pork or premade breakfast sausage: for rich protein and savory flavor—choose fresh or highquality sausage for best results
• Garlic powder: to build aromatic depth
• Italian seasoning: brings a hint of Italian herb freshness—choose a mix with oregano and basil for best effect
• Crushed fennel seeds: for a subtle aniselike warmth crush fresh just before using if possible
• Ground sage: for an earthy, slightly peppery note—opt for fresh or highquality dried
• Fine salt: to enhance all the flavors, divided use to season different steps
• Black pepper and cayenne: for a balanced kick freshly ground black pepper brightens the dish
• Red onion: diced or thinly sliced, adds brightness and sweetness—choose firm, purple onions
• Red bell pepper: adds crunch and sweetness, pick firm, brightly colored peppers
• Fresh spinach leaves: to boost greens and add a tender contrast
• Large eggs: to bind everything together, providing richness and structure
• Optional: sliced avocado, hot sauce, fresh herbs for serving—adds creaminess and extra flavor

Instructions

Heat oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9by9inch baking dish with cooking spray or a very light layer of oil. Proper greasing ensures the casserole doesn't stick when baked.

Cook sweet potatoes:

Pour the avocado or olive oil into a medium skillet and warm over mediumhigh heat until shimmering. Add the diced sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt to season. Cover the pan and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the sweet potatoes are just tender but not falling apart. This step builds the base texture of your bake.

Brown pork:

In a separate skillet set over mediumhigh heat, add the ground pork. Break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the pork is well browned and cooked through, draining any excess fat if necessary for a leaner dish. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed fennel seeds, ground sage, onequarter teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a touch of cayenne to season the meat deeply.

Sauté veggies:

Add the diced red onion and red bell pepper to the sweet potatoes in the first skillet. Cook for three to four minutes until the peppers soften and the onions turn translucent, enhancing their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another one to two minutes just until wilted. Remove this mixture from heat and gently fold in the cooked, seasoned ground pork, blending the flavors together.

Whisk eggs:

In a medium bowl, crack in the eggs and beat them vigorously with the remaining quarter teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper. This ensures the eggs are well seasoned and will bind the casserole evenly.

Assemble:

Spread the sweet potato, sausage, and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the top, pressing gently and making sure the eggs soak into and cover all the ingredients slightly.

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 24 minutes until the center is set. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean. Keep an eye toward the end of cooking to avoid drying out.

Rest and serve:

Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes after baking. This helps firm up the texture and makes slicing easier. Cut into six to eight portions. Serve warm with optional sliced avocado, hot sauce, or fresh herbs for extra brightness and creaminess.

The sweet potato is my favorite part of this casserole, adding natural sweetness and a wonderful texture that contrasts so nicely with the savory spiced pork. This dish reminds me of cozy fall weekends spent cooking with family and enjoying a slow morning around the table.

Storage tips

Cool the casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground pork can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarians can substitute with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or plantbased sausage alternative. Spinach can be swapped for kale though it will take slightly longer to wilt.

Serving suggestions

This casserole is lovely served with sliced avocado on top along with a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness. Pair with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch.

This casserole is a hearty, make ahead brunch favorite that balances sweet potatoes and savory pork for a satisfying meal. It reheats well and welcomes many substitutions to suit dietary needs.

Common Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, pre-made sausage works well. Simply omit the additional seasonings and adjust salt to taste to maintain balance.

→ What’s the best pan size for this dish?

A 9×9-inch pan yields thick slices, while a 9×13-inch pan produces thinner portions and shorter baking time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the pork with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian version.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, bake, cool, slice, and freeze portions up to two months. Reheat at 350°F or in the microwave before serving.

→ Can I add cheese to this dish?

Absolutely. Fold in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled feta into the egg mixture for a richer flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.