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Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Breakfast Casserole – Easy Make-Ahead

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A hearty, savory breakfast casserole with ground beef, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs that tastes like a diner classic. Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead mornings, this crowd-pleaser comes together in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 6 slices day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter, making sure to get the corners.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Add the diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor.
  3. Whisk the eggs and milk: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly frothy (about 30 seconds).
  4. Layer the casserole: Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked ground beef mixture over the bread. Then sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.
  5. Pour the egg mixture: Slowly pour the whisked eggs and milk over the entire casserole, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
  6. Let it rest (optional but recommended): Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate at this point.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
  8. Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use day-old bread so it absorbs the egg mixture without turning mushy. Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. To make ahead, assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; add 5-10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, meal prep breakfast, egg casserole

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