Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage crumbles
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup liquid egg whites
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation and Sautéing: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the turkey sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. While the meat cooks, dice your bell peppers and chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces.
- Mixing the Protein Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, liquid egg whites, and the blended cottage cheese. The blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that adds a massive protein boost and a creamy texture without the extra fat of heavy cream. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assembling the Layers: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked turkey sausage, diced red peppers, and chopped spinach over the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the vegetables and meat.
- The Final Pour and Bake: Pour the egg and cottage cheese mixture slowly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps into all the corners. Use a fork to gently poke the ingredients so the liquid distributes evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Resting and Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the eggs to firm up and makes serving much cleaner. Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or a splash of hot sauce.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes