Name: Skinny Denver Omelette and Hash Browns Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: Olive oil cooking spray (or your favorite); 1½ cups onions, (chopped); 1 cup red bell peppers, (chopped); 1¼ cups lean ham ((5 ounces) chopped, see shopping tips); ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or nonfat plain yogurt; ½ cup fat-free cottage cheese; ½ cup fat-free milk; 2 eggs (beaten, I like using Eggland’s Best Eggs, see shopping tips); 2 egg whites; ¼ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt or salt; Fresh ground pepper, (to taste); 4 cups frozen hash browns, (not defrosted, see shopping tips); ½ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt or salt

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This casserole is so hearty and includes the fabulous Denver omelette flavors of eggs, ham, bell peppers, and cheese all loaded into one absolutely delicious dish! So luxuriously rich in flavors but extremely low in fat and calories. It’s simple to make since using shredded frozen hash browns. It freezes great too! Each skinny serving has just 149 calories and 2 grams of fat. A keeper for sure!

Why You'll Love This Skinny Denver Omelette and Hash Browns Casserole

My Skinny Denver Omelette and Hash Browns Casserole is a hearty and satisfying breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, it's a healthier alternative to traditional breakfast casseroles. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this casserole is a breeze to make. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious and nutritious meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients for Skinny Denver Omelette and Hash Browns Casserole

Olive oil cooking spray or your favorite
1½ cups onions, chopped
1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1¼ cups¹ lean ham (5 ounces) chopped
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt or nonfat plain yogurt
½ cup fat-free cottage cheese
½ cup fat-free milk
2 eggs, beaten (I like using Eggland’s Best Eggs)
2 egg whites
¼ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt or salt
Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Hash Browns Topping:

4 cups frozen hash browns, not defrosted
½ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt or salt

A Breakdown of Ingredients for a Skinny Denver Omelet and Hash Brown Casserole

Olive Oil Cooking Spray: A healthier alternative to butter or oil, olive oil cooking spray adds a light coating to your pan, preventing sticking without adding excess calories or fat. This helps keep your dish low-calorie and heart-healthy.
Onions and Red Bell Peppers: These vibrant vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Onions are a good source of antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which may offer various health benefits. Red bell peppers, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.
Lean Ham: As a lean protein source, ham adds a savory flavor and boosts the protein content of the casserole. Opting for a high-quality, low-sodium ham ensures you're getting the most nutritional value without excessive sodium intake.
Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: These dairy powerhouses offer a protein-packed and creamy alternative to traditional dairy products. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics, which can aid digestion. Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium and vitamin B12, essential nutrients for bone health and overall well-being.
Fat-Free Milk: A lower-calorie, lower-fat alternative to whole milk, fat-free milk adds moisture and richness to the casserole without the excess calories and saturated fat. It's a great choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
Eggs and Egg Whites: A classic duo, eggs and egg whites provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Whole eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids. Egg whites, on the other hand, are a lean protein option that's lower in calories and fat.
Lawry's Seasoning Salt: This classic seasoning blend adds a savory flavor to dishes without the excessive sodium of regular salt. It's a great way to enhance the flavor of your food without compromising your health.
Frozen Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns are a convenient and versatile ingredient that adds a crispy texture and hearty flavor to the casserole. They're a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the day.

Crafting a Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Casserole

Preparation:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a perfectly cooked casserole with a golden-brown top.
Prep Your Pan: Coat a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Preparing the Filling:

Sauté Your Veggies: Microwave chopped onions and red peppers for 3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. This quick cooking method softens the vegetables and releases their natural flavors.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, ham, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, eggs, egg whites, and seasoning salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Casserole:

Layer the Filling: Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Top with Hash Browns: Cover the egg mixture with a layer of frozen hash browns. Break up any large clumps of hash browns to ensure even coverage.
Add Flavor and Texture: Generously spray the top of the hash browns with cooking spray. Sprinkle with seasoning salt for an extra flavor boost.

Baking and Finishing:

Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking time allows the casserole to set and the filling to cook through.
Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and the center is set.
Broil for Crispy Texture: For extra crispy hash browns, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving and Storing:

Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 6 slices.
Reheat and Freeze: This casserole reheats well and freezes beautifully. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly and store in the freezer.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole:

Customize Your Filling: Experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create unique flavor combinations.
Adjust the Heat: If your oven runs hot, reduce the baking temperature slightly to prevent overcooking.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're doubling the recipe, use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking.
For a Healthier Twist: Consider using whole-wheat bread crumbs instead of hash browns for a lower-carb option.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and nutritious breakfast casserole that's perfect for any occasion.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 6 serving (each serving, 1 slice)

Shopping Tips
Trader Joe’s sells (8 oz.) packages of Black Forest ham. It’s uncured and contains ‘no nitrates.’ In addition, most health food markets sell this type of ham. Or, use your favorite lean ham such as Oscar Meyer.

Frozen Hash Brown potatoes are sold in most supermarkets. They contain no fat, just shredded potatoes. I used Ore Ida’s frozen plain shredded hash browns. One serving (1¼ cups) has just 70 calories, 0g fat, 10g carbs, 1g protein, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, 12mg sodium

Whenever a recipe calls for using eggs, I LOVE Eggland’s Best eggs! They have less saturated fat, less cholesterol, more Vitamin D, more Vitamin E, and double the Omega 3 than regular eggs. Most supermarkets see them in the egg aisle.

Serving Tips
Serve this casserole with sliced tomatoes and fresh fruit, if desired.

WW SmartPoints 2-Blue
WW SmartPoints 3-Green
WW POINTS PLUS 3

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 slice
149 calories, 2g fat, 1g sat. fat, 77mg chol, 14g protein, 15g carbs, 2g fiber, 493mg sodium, 3g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
87 calories, 0g sat. fat, 3g sugar, 8g protein