Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with the melted butter.
- Brown the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up well as it cooks. Drain off most of the grease, leaving a little for flavour, and set the sausage aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the thawed hashbrowns, the cooked sausage, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream base. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Do not overmix.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top surface of the casserole.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the centre is bubbly hot and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The centre should feel hot when tested with a knife.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest on the counter for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.