Amish Breakfast Casserole

1 pound of breakfast type meat cooked, crumbled or diced (sausage, bacon, ham)
1 medium onion, chopped
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
can also add jalapenos, spinach, other peppers
8 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
24 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) small curd cottage cheese
1 1/4 cups Swiss cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray.

Dice the bacon into bite-size pieces prior to cooking. In a large skillet, combine the onion and bacon and cook until bacon is crisp. Drain. Return the skillet to the stove and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Remove from stove.  If not cooking bacon or sausage you can saute veggies in a little oil on the stove top and then add to the following mixture.
 

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Stir in the bacon mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minute before serving.