What happens when you combine three different breakfast meats in one dish? This question sparked an unexpected competition between me and a fellow chef during a mountain retreat cooking workshop. After multiple iterations and guest tastings, this triple-meat medley emerged as the undisputed champion—securing its place as the signature breakfast at my culinary retreats for the past seven years.
Hearty Breakfast Meat Potato Medley
An indulgent breakfast featuring a trio of meats (beef bacon, sausage and meat) combined with golden potatoes and vegetables for the ultimate morning meal.
Parboil the Potatoes
Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain well and set aside to dry slightly.
Cook the beef Bacon
Heat a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add diced beef bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef bacon to a large paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Cook the Sausage
In the same skillet with beef bacon fat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook, breaking into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with beef bacon.
Brown the meat
Add diced meat to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and edges begin to caramelize. Transfer to the plate with other meats.
Cook the Potatoes
If needed, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add parboiled potatoes in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until bottom side becomes golden brown. Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until multiple sides are crispy.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with potatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine and Finish
Return all meats to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the potato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors have melded. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chives. Serve immediately, either as is or topped with eggs cooked to your preference.
Messfast - A Breakfast to Knock Your Socks Off!
Learn how to make a hearty breakfast medley with multiple meats, potatoes and vegetables all in one skillet.
Unlike standard breakfast hashes that rely on a single protein, this medley creates unmatched flavor depth by combining complementary breakfast meats: the smokiness of beef bacon, the savory heartiness of sausage, and the tender juiciness of meat. This approach solves the common problem of one-dimensional breakfast dishes, while the systematic cooking order ensures each ingredient maintains its ideal texture. According to nutritionists at Cornell University, this protein variety also provides a more complete amino acid profile.
The sensory experience is truly special—each bite offers a different combination of flavors and textures. The potatoes develop a golden crust while remaining tender inside, the trio of meats provides varying levels of smokiness and umami, and the vegetables add fresh contrast. The slight sweetness from the bell peppers balances the savory notes, while fresh herbs brighten the entire dish.
According to a fascinating study in the Journal of Nutritional Science, consuming diverse protein sources at breakfast specifically (versus later meals) optimizes protein synthesis throughout the day. For larger family gatherings, try my sheet pan adaptation that feeds 8-10 people—simply increase ingredients proportionally and spread across two sheet pans for optimal browning.
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