Cheesy Broccoli-Egg Breakfast Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 - 1 lb turkey sausage (casings removed or use pork sausage)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (to taste) (optional)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets (cooked and well drained)
2 cups shredded 3-cheese gourmet cheddar blend cheese, divided
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup half-and-half cream or 1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon black pepper
salt (I use about 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, but white salt will do fine)
1 pinch cayenne (optional or to taste)
1 -2 firm plum tomato, thinly sliced

Preparation

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Butter an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
In a skillet cook the turkey sausage or pork sausage meat with onion and garlic (if using) until the meat is no longer pink; drain fat and transfer to a large bowl.
Toss together the sausage with cooked broccoli and about 1/2 cup three-cheese blend; spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a bowl whisk eggs, add in 1/2 cup shredded three-cheese blend, ricotta, half and half cream, salt, pepper and cayenne (if using) pour over the broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar (or to taste) cheese, then arrange the tomato slices on top.
Bake covered for 30 minutes; uncover and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes more.