Easy Beef Breakfast Casserole: Weekend Brunch Done Right (Print Version)

Whip up an easy Beef Breakfast Casserole that's hearty, savory, and perfect for a crowd. This simple recipe brings comfort to your breakfast table.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Beef, Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
02 - 8 large eggs
03 - 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
04 - 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 8-10 slices)

→ Fresh Add-Ins

05 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

→ Flavor Essentials

08 - 1 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1 tsp onion powder
10 - 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Extras

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
14 - Hot sauce, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get that ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits, hon! While that's happening, the kitchen will start smelling amazing, a hint of what's to come. Once it’s cooked through, drain off all that excess fat – seriously, don't skip this, or your Beef Breakfast Casserole will be a greasy mess. Then, toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Let them soften up, about 5-7 minutes. They'll get sweet and fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
02 - Now, grab your day-old bread and cube it up. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. Take a 9x13 inch baking dish – my favorite, honestly, it's a workhorse! – and lightly grease it. Spread those bread cubes evenly across the bottom. This is the foundation of your Beef Breakfast Casserole, so make sure it's a good, even layer. I sometimes get a little messy here, with bread crumbs everywhere, but that's just part of the fun, right? Don't press it down too hard; you want some air for that eggy custard to soak into.
03 - Once your beef and veggies are ready, sprinkle about half of the cooked mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Then, scatter about a third of your grated cheddar cheese over that. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and another third of the cheese. This layering ensures every bite of your Beef Breakfast Casserole is packed with flavor. I always find myself taking little sneaky pinches of cheese at this point – it's irresistible!
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Really get in there and whisk until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. This is the liquid gold that will bind your Beef Breakfast Casserole together. I usually taste a tiny bit of the mixture (before adding eggs, obviously!) to make sure the seasoning is spot-on. You want it savory, but not overly salty. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in your baking dish, making sure the bread is well saturated.
05 - This step is crucial, honestly. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight! This gives the bread time to really soak up all that eggy goodness, ensuring a perfectly moist and tender Beef Breakfast Casserole. I usually prep this the night before, so I can just wake up, preheat the oven, and bake. It's a game-changer for stress-free mornings. Trust me, don't rush this part; it makes all the difference.
06 - When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap from your casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top – this will create that gorgeous, bubbly, golden crust we all love. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly browned. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells like the best brunch spot in town! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your amazing Beef Breakfast Casserole!

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Always drain the beef fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Leftovers are best reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain texture.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Ground sausage can replace ground beef for a different, equally delicious, flavor.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A dash of your favorite hot sauce on top adds a fantastic kick!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - large mixing bowl
04 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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