In a large skillet cook sausage until browned. Place the sausage on paper towels to drain. Leave the fat in the skillet. (You may need to pour some of it out if it's a lot)
Dice up the onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
Add to skillet and sauté until just tender. ( It won't take long so be careful not to overcook)
Place the sautéed veggies on a plate and set aside.
In a large bowl add the thawed, hash browns.
Stir in the sour cream until it coats the hash browns
Stir in the processed cheese.
Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. I used just a few dashes. (Taste the mixture to make sure the seasonings are just right. Be careful not to over-season, since we'll also be using sausage and cheese)
Spray a 9 inch deep dish pie plate with cooking oil and press the hash brown mixture into the pie plate getting it as flat and even as possible.
Cover the top with sausage, onions and peppers. Set aside.
In a small bowl beat eggs with milk.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. (sometimes I'll use a knife to poke holes in the casserole so that the eggs mixture goes down further)
Top with shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the casserole is fully set. (See note below on cooking times)
Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Cooking times: I baked this in a 9 inch deep dish pie plate for 45 minutes covered and 17 minutes uncovered. You may need to adjust the cooking time so check it after 45 minutes. The casserole is done when it is completely set and edges are golden brown. It should not have any liquid from the egg present at all and it should be fluffy and creamy, not runny or wet. ~TIPS~
Feel free to add in more things like bacon, broccoli, etc.
Using a variety of cheeses is best! Yum!
Casserole should be FULLY set & fluffy when done. Nothing jiggling, wet, or runny!