Ultimate Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos: Easy & Delicious Crock Pot Recipe
Say goodbye to rushed mornings and hello to delicious, ready-to-eat breakfasts with these incredible Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos! This recipe simplifies your morning routine by letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting overnight. Imagine waking up to the savory aroma of hash browns, fluffy eggs, and hearty sausage, all perfectly cooked and ready to be rolled into convenient, portable burritos. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a breakfast game-changer, offering a satisfying and flavorful start to any busy day.
Preparing these crock pot breakfast burritos is astonishingly simple. The filling cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a harmonious blend of classic breakfast flavors. Once cooked, simply spoon the warm, robust mixture onto soft flour tortillas, roll them up, and they’re ready to enjoy. Even better, these burritos are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option. You can prepare a large batch, freeze them, and reheat whenever hunger strikes, making them perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Get ready to transform your breakfast experience with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
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💚 Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos
If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game with something both hearty and incredibly convenient, these slow cooker breakfast burritos are your answer. They are an absolute lifesaver for anyone with a busy lifestyle, and here’s why they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a slow cooker recipe is the minimal hands-on time required. Just a few minutes of layering ingredients in the evening, and your crock pot works its magic overnight, leaving you with a fully cooked breakfast filling by morning. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” meal, perfect for those who dread morning cooking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: These burritos are designed for convenience. Whip up a large batch on the weekend, assemble them, and then freeze individually. You’ll have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for the entire week, saving you precious time on hectic weekdays. They reheat beautifully, tasting just as fresh as when they were first made.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein from eggs and sausage, complemented by delicious hash browns and melty cheese, these burritos are incredibly filling. They’ll keep you feeling energized and satisfied all morning long, preventing those mid-morning hunger pangs.
- Infinitely Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors, different meats, or extra veggies, you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or try new flavor combinations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good breakfast burrito! This recipe is a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply feeding a hungry household. The combination of classic breakfast elements wrapped in a soft tortilla is universally appealing.
Forget bland cereals or complicated morning meals. These easy breakfast burritos are loaded with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, ensuring a delicious and nourishing start to your day. Pair them with a Healthy Acai Smoothie for a complete and vibrant meal you can even enjoy on the go!
🧂 Simple Ingredients for Delicious Crock Pot Breakfast Burritos
One of the best things about this recipe is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying meal. You likely have many of these staples in your kitchen already!
- Sausage: We use bulk sausage, which adds a fantastic hearty protein and a rich, savory, and slightly smoky flavor to the burritos. Browning it beforehand ensures a deeper flavor and proper texture. Feel free to use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage based on your preference.
- Frozen Hash Browns: These are the ultimate time-saver! I particularly enjoy using hash browns that already include diced onions and peppers, as they add wonderful pops of color and a subtle extra layer of flavor without any additional chopping. However, any variety of frozen hash browns will work perfectly. Just make sure they are thawed slightly before adding to the slow cooker for more even cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is crucial. It melts beautifully into the hot filling, creating that irresistible gooey texture that binds all the ingredients together with its classic cheesy goodness. Sharp, mild, or a cheddar blend all work well.
- Eggs: The foundational ingredient for any breakfast burrito, eggs provide essential protein and a fluffy texture when cooked in the slow cooker. They absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sausage and hash browns.
- Milk: A splash of milk is added to the eggs before whisking. This is key to achieving a light, tender, and fluffy consistency for your scrambled eggs, preventing them from becoming rubbery as they cook slowly.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to your taste, remembering that the sausage and cheese will also contribute salinity.
- Flour Tortillas: Large, burrito-size flour tortillas are essential for wrapping up your delicious filling. Their softness and flexibility make them perfect for creating portable, on-the-go meals. Warm them slightly before filling for easier rolling.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos
Making these slow cooker breakfast burritos is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a stress-free cooking experience:
- **Brown the Sausage:** Before adding it to the slow cooker, brown your bulk sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it up into small, even crumbles. Once thoroughly cooked through, drain any excess grease very well. This step is crucial for both flavor and to prevent your burrito filling from becoming greasy or soggy.
- **Prepare the Slow Cooker:** Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
- **Layer the Base:** Spread the thawed frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. This forms a delicious, crispy-on-the-edges base for your burrito filling.
- **Add Sausage and Cheese:** Next, layer the well-drained, browned sausage over the hash browns. Evenly sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer. The cheese will melt down and bind everything together beautifully.
- **Whisk the Eggs:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and optional black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures fluffy eggs throughout your casserole.
- **Pour Over Layers:** Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese in the slow cooker. Make sure the egg mixture spreads evenly.
- **Cook to Perfection:** Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness. The eggs should be completely set in the center. If there’s still liquid egg when you insert a knife, continue cooking until firm.
- **Assemble Your Burritos:** Once the filling is perfectly cooked, spoon it out onto your flour tortillas. Divide the mixture into 8 even portions for consistent burritos.
- **Fold and Serve/Freeze:** To fold your burrito, first fold one end of the tortilla over the filling, then tuck in the sides. Roll it up tightly, keeping the sides tucked in as you go, to create a neatly sealed burrito. Serve immediately for a warm, delicious breakfast, or follow the make-ahead instructions below for freezing!
❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these fantastic make-ahead breakfast burritos:
Absolutely! This is one of the major advantages of using a slow cooker for your breakfast burritos. If you’re serving a brunch buffet, a large family breakfast, or simply want to allow everyone to serve themselves at their leisure, you can leave the slow cooker on its “warm” setting. This will keep the filling perfectly heated and ready for assembly without overcooking, ensuring every burrito is warm and delicious.
Preventing soggy breakfast burritos is key to their enjoyment! The main culprit is excess moisture. Firstly, ensure you thoroughly drain the browned sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. Fat and moisture from the sausage can make the entire filling watery. Secondly, make sure your eggs are cooked completely through. If the filling seems runny, it might need more time to cook in the slow cooker, or perhaps you added a bit too much milk. For added measure, you can lightly toast your tortillas before filling to create a slight barrier against moisture, especially if you plan to freeze and reheat.
Breakfast burritos are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides! For a light and refreshing complement, serve them with fresh fruit salad or your favorite smoothie. A glass of orange juice or a warm cup of coffee also makes a great pairing. If you’re hosting brunch, consider offering chips and salsa, creamy guacamole, or even an extra side of crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes. For a sweet contrast, these Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts would be a delightful addition.
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but it requires a bit more prep. You’d need to shred or dice them finely, and ideally par-cook them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they cook through properly with the eggs and sausage. Frozen hash browns are highly recommended for their convenience and consistent results in this particular recipe.
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Breakfast Burritos
Unlock the full potential of your slow cooker breakfast burritos with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Mastering the Burrito Fold: To ensure your burritos are perfectly sealed and don’t fall apart, use this simple technique: Lay your tortilla flat. Place the filling just below the center. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right sides tightly. While keeping the sides tucked in, roll the burrito upwards from the bottom. This creates a neat, compact package that’s easy to hold and eat.
- Overnight Cooking Convenience: This recipe is truly a gift for busy individuals. Start preparing these make-ahead burritos right before you go to bed. By setting your slow cooker on the low setting, you’ll wake up to the most delightful aroma and a perfectly cooked breakfast filling, completely ready to assemble and serve. It’s an instant breakfast with minimal morning effort!
- Don’t Skimp on Draining: As mentioned in the instructions, ensure the cooked sausage is very well drained. Excess grease can make your hash browns soggy and create a less pleasant texture for the overall filling. Use a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil after browning.
- Pre-warm Your Tortillas: For easier rolling and a more enjoyable texture, briefly warm your flour tortillas before filling them. You can do this in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds per side, or wrapped in foil in a warm oven. Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack.
- Seasoning as You Go: While the recipe provides a good base, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning for the eggs and meat. Adding a little extra salt, pepper, or other spices can make a big difference in the final flavor.
📌 These crock pot burritos are a fantastic option for your next special occasion breakfast or brunch, or any time you want something a little different for breakfast. They’re completely customizable and always delicious!
💡 Endless Substitutions and Flavorful Variations
The beauty of these easy slow cooker breakfast burritos lies in their adaptability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences or what you have available:
- Protein Power-Ups: While sausage is a classic, you can easily switch up the protein. Use cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or even ground turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed black beans, refried beans, or seasoned tofu scramble can replace the meat entirely.
- Cheesy Choices: Cheddar is great, but explore other cheeses! Mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt, Gruyère for a nutty depth, Monterey Jack for a creamier texture, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick. A Mexican blend is also a fantastic choice.
- Spice It Up: Elevate the flavor profile of your egg mixture with additional seasonings. Paprika for warmth and color, garlic powder for an aromatic boost, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat are all excellent additions. A dash of chili powder or cumin can lean into a more Tex-Mex flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Increase your vegetable intake by adding finely diced bell peppers (any color!), spinach (wilts down easily), mushrooms, or even roasted sweet potatoes. If adding fresh vegetables, consider sautéing them briefly before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess moisture.
- Hot Sauce Zing: For those who love a bit of heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce directly onto the tortilla before adding the filling and rolling. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon or two of hot sauce into the egg mixture for a consistent spicy kick throughout.
- Other Toppings: Once assembled, consider adding fresh toppings like diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh salsa, or chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
⏲️ Make Ahead & Freezing for Future Feasts
These make-ahead breakfast burritos are a dream come true for busy mornings. Preparing them in advance is incredibly simple and efficient:
Once your slow cooker filling is cooked and cooled slightly, assemble your burritos according to the instructions. For best results when freezing, roll each tortilla tightly, then wrap it individually in parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their freshness. After wrapping, place the individual burritos into a large, sealable plastic freezer bag (like a gallon-size bag). Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. These burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
🥫 Reheating Your Frozen Breakfast Burritos
Enjoying your frozen slow cooker breakfast burritos is just a few steps away:
The best method for reheating involves thawing them first. Transfer the desired number of burritos from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, you can reheat them in several ways:
- **Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture):** Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Unwrap the burrito from the parchment paper (if applicable) and wrap it loosely in foil. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is melty. This method yields a beautifully crispy tortilla.
- **Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy):** If you’re short on time and love a crispy exterior, an air fryer is a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C). Place the thawed, unwrapped burrito directly in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
- **Microwave Method (Fastest):** For the quickest reheat, especially if you’re truly on the go, place a thawed, unwrapped burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be aware that the microwave can sometimes make the tortilla slightly chewier rather than crispy.
Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
🍴 What To Serve With These Delicious Slow Cooker Burritos
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely meal, these crock pot breakfast burritos pair wonderfully with various sides:
If you’re on the go and need an extra boost of energy, complement your burritos with an energizing Kiwi Banana Matcha Smoothie or a couple of these protein-packed No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls! For a more relaxed, sit-down setting, these burritos are excellent alongside a vibrant Berry Salad, offering a fresh contrast to the savory filling, or a creamy, refreshing Strawberry Smoothie Bowl. Don’t forget your favorite coffee or juice!
✔️ More Easy & Delicious Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats – Great for fall but delicious any time of year, these pumpkin spice flavored overnight oats are a super tasty and healthy make-ahead breakfast option.
- Baked Egg Frittata with Ham – A hearty and comforting baked breakfast that’s ideal for special brunches or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Crock Pot French Toast Casserole – Another fantastic slow cooker recipe that yields sweet, fluffy, and perfectly spiced French toast casserole, perfect for holidays.
- Homemade Waffles – Life, Love and Sugar brings us this recipe for super light, fluffy, and utterly yummy waffles, a classic breakfast treat everyone adores!
Make These Amazing Crock Pot Breakfast Burritos Today!
We hope you love these incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker breakfast burritos as much as we do! They truly simplify busy mornings and bring smiles to the breakfast table. If you make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at @DizzyBusyandHungry or use the hashtag #dizzybusyandhungry! Your culinary adventures inspire us.
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below and share your thoughts! ⭐
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Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos
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Equipment
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1 Slow cooker
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Large skillet
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Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 32 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed (with or without peppers and onions, 1 package)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- black pepper (optional, to taste)
- 8 burrito-size flour tortillas (approx. 10 inches in diameter)
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly. This step is important for both flavor and to prevent a soggy filling.1 pound bulk sausage
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Spray the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the thawed hash browns across the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the well-drained browned sausage over the hash browns, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.32 ounces frozen hash browns with peppers and onions, thawed, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and black pepper (if desired) until the mixture is well blended and slightly frothy. Pour this egg mixture carefully over the layers in the slow cooker, ensuring it distributes evenly.12 eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon seasoning salt, black pepper
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Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 2 to 3 hours. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If the knife comes out clean and without liquid egg, the breakfast filling is ready. If not, cover and continue cooking until the eggs are completely set.
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Once cooked, gently spoon the flavorful egg casserole filling onto warm flour tortillas, dividing the mixture evenly into 8 portions.8 burrito-size flour tortillas
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To form your burritos, fold the short sides of each tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Serve your delicious slow cooker breakfast burritos immediately, or prepare them for freezing according to the make-ahead instructions. Enjoy!
Notes
- These burritos are excellent for making ahead of time and freezing. After rolling each tortilla, wrap them individually in parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the wrapped burritos in a gallon-size freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, transfer the desired number of burritos to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20-25 minutes (wrapped in foil for softer texture, unwrapped for crispier). They can also be quickly reheated in an air fryer at 350-375F for 5-8 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- For an extra layer of flavor and a little kick, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly onto your tortilla before adding the filling and rolling it up.
- Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, or seasonings to customize your burritos. For example, you can use cooked bacon or diced ham instead of sausage, mozzarella or Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar, or incorporate garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili powder as additional seasonings. The possibilities for delicious variations are endless!
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Happy cooking, and enjoy your wonderful make-ahead breakfasts!
