Spice It Up with This Instant Pot Mexican Breakfast Casserole • Everyday Cheapskate

Name: Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 large eggs (well-beaten); 1 pound mild ground sausage; 1/2 large red onion (finely chopped); 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped); 1 can black beans (rinsed); 1/2 cup green onions (finely chopped); 1/2 cup flour; 1 cup Cotija cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; sour cream (to garnish (optional)); cilantro (to garnish (optional))

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Spice up your meal routine with our Flavorful Instant Pot Mexican Breakfast Casserole! This dish, packed with sausage, veggies, black beans, and a blend of Cotija and mozzarella cheese, is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a tasty dinner. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

This casserole is a game-changer for busy mornings or weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it’s made in the Instant Pot, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of sausage, fresh veggies, and melty cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser.

MORE: How to Use an Instant Pot—It’s Safe and Simple!

Ingredients You’ll Need (Plus Substitutions)

Eggs: These are the base of the casserole and add richness. For a lighter version, you could use half whole eggs and half egg whites. For a vegan twist, try a tofu scramble with seasonings as an egg substitute.
Mild Ground Sausage: Mild sausage keeps the flavor savory but not too spicy. If you prefer more heat, swap for spicy sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Red Onion: Adds color and a slightly sweet flavor. Yellow or white onions can be used as a substitute. For a milder taste, try green onions or shallots.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, colorful, and adds crunch. Any color of bell pepper works, or try poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor profile.
Canned Black Beans: These add protein and fiber, making the casserole more filling. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans are great substitutes. For a low-carb option, you could omit the beans altogether.
Green Onions: Used for a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. These make a nice garnish as well! Substitute with chives or additional diced onion if needed.
Flour: This helps bind the ingredients together. For gluten-free options, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use a small amount of cornstarch if you’re avoiding flour.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese is traditional in Mexican dishes. Substitute with feta or Parmesan for a similar texture and taste. If you want a milder cheese, queso fresco is also a great choice.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey texture. You can also use Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based shredded cheese.
Sour Cream (for garnish): This adds creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt works as a lower-fat substitute, or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version.
Cilantro (for garnish): A fresh, herbal garnish that complements the casserole. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with parsley or green onions, or leave it out entirely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Casserole

Begin by sautéing the sausage and chopped red onion in your Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting, cooking until the sausage browns and the onions turn translucent, about six minutes. While that’s cooking, mix flour and well-beaten eggs thoroughly in a bowl. Once your sausage and onions are ready, pour this egg mixture over them in the Instant Pot. Next, toss in chopped red bell pepper, black beans, green onions, and a blend of Cotija and mozzarella cheeses, saving a bit of mozzarella to sprinkle on top later.

Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, setting it to High Pressure for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, release the pressure quickly and carefully remove the casserole. Finish by topping it with the reserved mozzarella, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, letting it sit just until the cheese melts. This hearty dish is perfect for breakfast or dinner and comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy days!

This Mexican breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of salsa and tortilla chips for a complete meal. You can also add corn, jalapeños, or substitute the sausage with chorizo for a different flavor profile.

MORE: Mary’s Famous Pico de Gallo Recipe

Tips for Perfecting Your Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Pre-Chop Your Veggies: Save time by prepping your vegetables in advance or using pre-chopped veggies from the store.
Use Mild or Spicy Sausage: Depending on your taste preferences, you can use mild or spicy sausage to adjust the heat level of the dish.
Add Your Favorite Toppings: Customize your casserole with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Oven-Baked Mexican Breakfast Casserole (No Instant Pot Required)

For those without an Instant Pot, this oven-baked Mexican breakfast casserole is a perfect alternative. Start by greasing a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or vegetable oil and set it aside. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the cooked sausage, softened onions, red bell pepper, canned black beans (drained and rinsed), green onions, flour, Cotija cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Stir everything until well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

If you want a make-ahead option, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. If you plan to bake immediately, you can skip the refrigeration step. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until the casserole is firm in the center and lightly browned on top.

For the finishing touches, garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired. Then, serve this warm and hearty casserole hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, definitely! You can fully prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. It’s a great time-saver, especially for busy mornings or gatherings!

What if I don't have Cotija cheese?

No worries! Cotija cheese adds a unique, tangy flavor, but you can swap it with similar options like feta or Parmesan. Feta will offer a creamy tang, while Parmesan gives a savory, slightly nutty taste. Either will blend well with the other flavors in this casserole, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, divide leftovers into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven. For the best texture, enjoy within three months.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you love some extra heat, try adding diced jalapeños or green chilies to the mix, or use spicy sausage instead of mild. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with your favorite hot sauce before serving. Customize it to your spice level!

What are some good sides to serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides! Try serving it with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a side of tortilla chips for added crunch. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, serve with a simple green salad, a side of rice, or refried beans to make it even heartier.

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Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

Spice up your meal routine with this Flavorful Instant Pot Mexican Casserole, brimming with sausage, veggies, black beans, and a blend of Cotija and mozzarella cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a tasty dinner.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: people

Calories: 486kcal

Ingredients

8 large eggs well-beaten
1 pound mild ground sausage
1/2 large red onion finely chopped
1 red bell pepper finely chopped
1 can black beans rinsed
1/2 cup green onions finely chopped
1/2 cup flour
1 cup Cotija cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
sour cream to garnish (optional)
cilantro to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Set Instant Pot to "Sauté." Add sausage and onion. Cook for six minutes or until onions are translucent and sausage is browned.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and eggs by mixing well. Mix flour with eggs until combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and onions right into the Instant Pot.
Add chopped vegetables, beans, and cheeses, reserving a bit of the mozzarella cheese for garnish.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it in place.
Set to High Pressure and 20 minutes. When the time is up, use the quick-release.
Take the casserole out of the pressure cooker this way: Lift the inner pot out of the Instant Pot and then put a plate on top of the inner pot and carefully it upside down so the casserole drops onto the plate.
Garnish with the mozzarella you have reserved, cilantro, and sour cream as desired. Allow to stand for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Question: What’s your go-to recipe for a quick and hearty meal? Share your favorites below.

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Disaster! says:

November 16, 2024 at 3:10 pm

Within just a few minutes of setting my pressure cooker to start I got a burn warning and the ingredients on the bottom were fused to the liner. I scooped the rest out and put it in the oven. Hopefully it is salvageable!

Amy says:

June 24, 2024 at 12:26 pm

Where did you get the cute casserole dish? Did you put that in the instant pot, or is it just for display purposes? Thanks so much

Mary Hunt says:
June 26, 2024 at 7:21 pm

Hi Amy … check it out! Small Baking Dish

Spice It Up with This Quick and Flavorful Instant Pot Mexican Breakfast Casserole