Let me tell you, this Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. I love this because it practically makes itself while you go about your day, and you end up with a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a special treat but without the fuss. You’ll find that the layers of sausage, hash browns, cheese, and eggs meld perfectly in the slow cooker, creating a fluffy, savory casserole that’s easy to roll up in tortillas.
When I first tried this Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe, I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the eggs came out after hours of slow cooking. It’s perfect when you want to feed a crowd or prep meals ahead of time. Plus, the simplicity of throwing everything in the slow cooker and walking away frees you up and means you won’t have to scramble eggs at the last minute or dirty a ton of pans. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to breakfast hack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it—perfect for busy mornings or meal prep days.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for these burritos, and they’re easy to customize for everyone.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead, freeze, and enjoy quick breakfasts anytime.
- Deliciously Layered: The combination of sausage, hash browns, cheese, and eggs creates unbeatable flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to give you a comforting, satisfying slow cooker breakfast. The key is using thawed hash browns with peppers and onions to add that extra flavor punch without extra work.
- Bulk sausage: Choose your favorite breakfast sausage for rich, savory flavor; give it a good crumble when browning to get nice texture.
- Frozen hash browns with peppers and onions: Using the thawed kind helps everything cook evenly and infuse flavor throughout.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works great for melty goodness—feel free to swap in your favorite cheese.
- Eggs: The main protein—whisk thoroughly to ensure a fluffy texture after slow cooking.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the eggs set nicely without being dry.
- Seasoning salt: Gives a subtle boost to flavor; you can also add black pepper if you like a little kick.
- Burrito-size flour tortillas: 10-inch tortillas wrap this casserole up perfectly for easy eating on the go.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge—feel free to make it yours. Try playing with different meats, cheeses, or seasoning blends to find your perfect flavor combo.
- Bacon or Ham: Swapping out sausage for bacon or cooked ham adds a smoky or salty twist that my family always asks for.
- Cheese Choices: Sometimes I use mozzarella or gruyere instead of cheddar for a different melty taste vibe.
- Seasonings: Adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cumin can totally change the flavor profile and keep it exciting.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and toss in extra veggies or a can of black beans for a hearty, meatless option that still fills you up.
How to Make Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage thoughtfully
Start by browning the bulk sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This is key because well-cooked sausage releases its fat and flavors, but you want to drain it well to avoid a soggy casserole. Once browned and drained, set it aside.
Step 2: Layer the hash browns, sausage, and cheese in the slow cooker
Spray your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Spread thawed hash browns mixed with peppers and onions evenly on the bottom. Then sprinkle the browned sausage on top, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering helps create a delicious melty, hearty base for the eggs.
Step 3: Whisk eggs and pour over the casserole
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth. Pour this mixture gently over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, letting it settle evenly without stirring.
Step 4: Cook low and slow (or high and quick!)
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. I’ve found the low setting works best for a fluffy, evenly cooked texture. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out with any liquid egg, give it more time. Patience pays off here!
Step 5: Assemble the burritos
Once the casserole is fully set, scoop equal portions onto your warm tortillas. Fold in the sides and roll them up tightly. Serve immediately or wrap individually in parchment paper to freeze for later. Adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce before rolling can really kick up the flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe
- Drain the Sausage Well: I learned this the hard way—excess grease weighs down the casserole and makes it soggy.
- Use Thawed Hash Browns: This keeps the moisture balanced and helps the casserole cook evenly without being watery.
- Check Doneness with a Knife: Insert it into the center to make sure eggs are set all the way through before serving or storing.
- Wrap Burritos Individually: Freezing wrapped burritos keeps them from sticking together, making reheating a breeze.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my burritos with a little fresh salsa, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro for brightness. Avocado slices or guacamole also add that creamy, luxurious texture I’m always craving. If you like a bit of heat, some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce work wonders.
Side Dishes
I find that a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad balances the richness of these breakfast burritos perfectly. Roasted potatoes or even a cup of black beans can round out the meal for a fuller brunch or light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I slice the burritos into bite-sized pinwheels—super cute and perfect for sharing. Wrapping each burrito in colorful parchment paper with a little twine makes for a charming, rustic presentation that impresses guests, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After rolling the burritos, I wrap them tightly in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or a gallon freezer bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and ready to heat up quickly for busy mornings.
Freezing
I’m a big fan of freezing these burritos individually—after wrapping them, just place them all in one big freezer bag. This way, you can grab exactly how many you need without thawing the whole batch. They stay tasty and convenient for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For reheating, I usually thaw the burritos overnight in the fridge and then warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, which brings back that just-made texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave or air fryer work too—just be careful not to overcook and dry them out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily skip the sausage and substitute with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked beans. Adding more cheese or a vegetarian sausage alternative helps keep it hearty and filling.
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What type of sausage works best in the slow cooker?
I prefer bulk breakfast sausage that doesn’t come in links because it crumbles easily and distributes well in the casserole. You can choose mild, sweet, or spicy varieties depending on your flavor preference.
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How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?
Drain the cooked sausage thoroughly and use thawed hash browns to minimize excess moisture. Also, don’t over-stir after adding the eggs so the layers stay intact. Wrapping burritos tightly before freezing helps retain their texture when reheated.
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Can I prepare the casserole the night before and cook it in the morning?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add a little extra cooking time in the morning since the ingredients will be cold when starting.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe truly feels like a little kitchen magic to me—super simple to put together, flexible enough to suit any taste, and incredibly satisfying to eat. I can’t recommend it enough if you want warm, homemade breakfasts that don’t tie you to the stove early in the morning. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it every weekend too!
PrintSlow Cooker Breakfast Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos are a hearty and convenient morning meal that combines savory sausage, cheesy eggs, and flavorful hash browns cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for meal prep or a crowd, these burritos can be quickly assembled in the morning and enjoyed throughout the week or frozen for later use.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 pound bulk sausage
Egg Mixture
- 12 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- Black pepper (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen hash browns with peppers and onions, thawed (1 package)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 burrito-size flour tortillas (10 inches)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the bulk sausage over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain the excess fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Mix and Pour Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and black pepper until fully blended and slightly frothy. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker to combine all flavors.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if the knife comes out with liquid egg, continue cooking until the eggs are set and firm.
- Assemble Burritos: Once cooked, spoon the egg casserole evenly onto each flour tortilla, dividing it into 8 portions. Fold the sides of each tortilla inward, then roll up the burrito tightly.
- Serve or Freeze: Serve the breakfast burritos immediately while warm, or wrap them individually in parchment paper and freeze for future meals. Reheat from frozen in the oven, microwave, or air fryer as desired.
Notes
- Make ahead and freeze: After rolling each burrito, wrap individually in parchment paper, place in a gallon-size freezer bag, and freeze.
- To reheat frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or reheat directly in an air fryer or microwave for convenience.
- Add a dash of hot sauce before rolling for an extra spicy kick to your breakfast.
- Experiment with variations by substituting different meats such as cooked bacon or ham, using mozzarella or gruyere cheese, or adding seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito (approximately)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 280mg