Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine hash browns, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Press mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased 2.3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are browned.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage until meat is no longer pink. Remove sausage from skillet and place in a paper towel-lined bowl; set aside.

Step 4

Add onion and red pepper to skillet and saute just until onions turn translucent. Using a slotted spoon, remove from skillet and place in the same bowl as the sausage. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. Remove paper towels, mix sausage, onion, and red peppers altogether.

Step 5

In a large bowl, add eggs; lightly beat with a wire whisk. Stir in cottage cheese, parsley, and cheese. Add meat mixture; stir until well combined. Pour mixture into the hash brown crust.

Step 6

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes or until center is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove casserole from oven; let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve hot.