The Ultimate Southwest Breakfast Skillet Recipe in Cast Iron
Looking for a flavorful breakfast that is easy to make and perfect for busy mornings or lazy Sunday mornings? This Southwest Breakfast Skillet is a one-pan meal packed with southwestern flavors!
This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrition and is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. This breakfast scramble is perfect for a low-carb diet!
Starting your day with a hearty breakfast is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind.
Studies have shown that people who eat a substantial breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, have a better cognitive function, and experience less fatigue throughout the day.
Like a southwest breakfast skillet, a delicious breakfast is a great way to start your day positively and healthily.
Southwest Breakfast Skillet
While many breakfast skillet scramble recipes use black beans, hash browns, or red potatoes, my version skips these ingredients to make a simpler and quicker dish.
Instead, my southwest breakfast skillet has cooked ground sausage with scrambled eggs and sauteed vegetables. It is seasoned with delicious southwestern flavors from chili powder and cumin spices.
The whole thing is then topped with shredded cheese for a protein-filled satisfying breakfast that you will love!
Ingredients
This dish is packed with protein and healthy veggies, making it a great way to fuel up for the day ahead. Here are the simple pantry ingredients you need for this healthy breakfast recipe.
- Eggs: the star of the southwest breakfast skillet is the eggs. These will give you a great amount of protein to start your day. This recipe uses large eggs.
- Breakfast Sausage: For extra protein and flavor, use breakfast sausage. You can use pork sausage or turkey sausage, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Bell Peppers: bell peppers are a great way to add color and flavor to this breakfast skillet. They are also packed with vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your meal.
- Herbs and Spices: this dish bursting with flavor from the flavors of minced onion and garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cheese: use cheddar cheese, pepper jack or a Mexican shredded cheese blend.
- Toppings: for extra flavor, add your choice of toppings. Some great options are sour cream, green chiles, and fresh cilantro. Or with a drizzle of hot sauce, pico de Gallo, or salsa.
How to Make a Southwestern Breakfast Skillet
One of the best things about this breakfast skillet is that it is an easy breakfast to make, even on the busiest mornings. You will have a delicious and filling breakfast with just a few minutes of prep work and less than 30 minutes of cooking.
Here’s how to make a southwest-style breakfast skillet in a large cast iron skillet:
Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your cast iron skillet on medium heat.
Then brown one pound of ground sausage. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small crumble-size pieces.
Once the sausage is browned, drain off the grease and add the sausage back to the skillet.
Add the Veggies
Next, add the diced bell peppers, minced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the veggies cook, prepare the egg mixture in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Then, add in the milk and whisk again.
Add chili powder, salt, pepper, and cumin to the egg mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Pour the Egg Mixture Over the Sausage
Once the veggies are cooked, pour the egg mixture over the sausage mixture in the skillet. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs and sausage together, cooking until the eggs are fully cooked and fluffy.
Serve with Shredded Cheese
Finally, serve the breakfast skillet with shredded cheese on top for an extra indulgent and delicious touch.
Tips for making this Recipe
- Make it Spicy: Add extra spice to this southwest breakfast skillet recipe by adding cayenne or red pepper flakes. Another option is to use a spicier variety of sausage or add some diced jalapeños or green chilies to the vegetable mix.
- Add Different Cheese: Some common choices include cheddar, pepper jack, colby jack, and Mexican blend cheeses.
- Switch up the Meat: Various types of meat can be used besides sausage in a breakfast skillet. Some popular options include crispy bacon, ham, turkey bacon, or chorizo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you Cook Breakfast in a Cast Iron Skillet?
Absolutely! Cast iron skillets are a great tool for cooking breakfast. They heat evenly and retain heat well, making them perfect for cooking breakfast dishes, including breakfast skillets.
What Types of Seasoning Can I use in a Breakfast Skillet?
There are various types of seasonings that you can use to add flavor to your breakfast skillet. Some popular southwestern flavors include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
What Kind of Sausage Should I use in a Breakfast Skillet?
You can use any sausage that you prefer. Some popular options include pork sausage, turkey sausage, and chicken sausage.
More Breakfast Recipes You May Enjoy
Printable Recipe Card | Southwest Breakfast Skillet
Southwest Breakfast Skillet
Looking for a healthy and flavorful breakfast option? Try our Southwest Breakfast Skillet! Cooked in a cast iron skillet, this comfort food is perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Start by heating your cast iron skillet on medium heat.
- Then brown one pound of ground sausage. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small crumble-size pieces.
- Once the sausage is browned, drain off the grease and add the sausage back to the skillet.
- Next, add the diced bell peppers, minced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- While the veggies cook, prepare the egg mixture in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Then, add in the milk and whisk again.
- Add chili powder, salt, pepper, and cumin to the egg mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Once the veggies are cooked, pour the egg mixture over the sausage mixture in the skillet. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs and sausage together, cooking until the eggs are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Finally, serve the breakfast skillet with shredded cheese on top for an extra indulgent and delicious touch.