Enjoy our delicious Breakfast Casserole, a wonderful mix of fluffy eggs, tender veggies, and savory meat, all nestled in a cheesy hug. Enjoy it with muffins or potatoes and a cup of coffee or a glass of juice for a complete meal. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead on busy mornings!
In a pan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil, then add onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they soften and start releasing their aromas.
Toss in the mushrooms and continue to sauté until they're tender and nicely browned, bringing out their earthy flavors.
Add your preferred ground meat to the pan—whether it’s beef, pork, or turkey. Cook it until it changes from pink to white, ensuring it's thoroughly cooked and juicy.
Sprinkle the mixture with garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Lastly, stir in some fresh spinach and sauté it briefly until it wilts. This not only adds a vibrant touch of color but also infuses the dish with a burst of nutrients. Once done, take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool down, making it easier to handle later.
Preparing Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack open the eggs and pour in the half & half. Season with salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, ensuring a uniform texture for the casserole.
Gently fold in the previously prepared veggie and meat mixture along with your choice of cheeses to the egg mixture.
Mix everything well to distribute the cheese evenly throughout to ensure every bite is rich and flavorful. Your casserole mixture is now perfectly prepped and ready to be assembled in the baking dish.
Assembling and Baking
Grease a baking dish with oil and arrange a bottom layer of cubed crusty bread, spreading it evenly. Alternatively, you can use diced potatoes, leftover breakfast potatoes, or hash browns. These will help absorb excess moisture from the liquids.
Pour the prepared casserole mixture over the bread, ensuring it's spread evenly to cover the base.
Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, and scatter some spring onions over it for a burst of freshness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to set. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), remove the foil, and bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the Breakfast Casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps everything set and makes slicing easier. Your delicious breakfast casserole is now ready to enjoy!
Serving
Serve this loaded Breakfast Casserole alongside breakfast potatoes, muffins, black coffee, or orange juice for a complete and satisfying breakfast meal. For more pairing ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions below.
Notes
Here are my favorite tips to elevate your Breakfast Casserole, making it a standout dish in your kitchen:
Preparation Basics:
Use Fresh Ingredients: I always recommend using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh veggies, meats, and eggs really do make a difference, bringing out the best flavors in your casserole.
Balance Flavors: It’s important to get a good mix of savory, salty, and a little spice if you like it that way. The right balance makes every bite enjoyable.
Season Thoughtfully: Don’t be shy with your herbs and spices. I love adding a variety of seasonings, especially fresh herbs like spring onions, parsley, or chives, which add a lovely freshness.
Prepare Veggies Properly: Make sure to sauté your veggies just enough to remove excess moisture; this keeps the casserole from getting too watery.
Texture and Layering:
Choose the Right Bread: If you’re using bread, go for something crusty or a bit stale. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting too soggy.
Cheese Selection: I like using cheeses that melt well and add a creamy richness, like cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. They make every forkful luxurious.
Layer Ingredients: I always start with a base of bread or potatoes, then layer on the casserole mix, cheese, and any other toppings. It makes the casserole well-structured and delightful.
Cooking and Serving:
Refrigerate Before Baking: Letting the casserole sit in the fridge before baking really helps the flavors meld together and the dish to set properly.
Baking Time and Temperature: Always follow the recommended baking time and temperature to ensure your casserole is perfectly cooked.
Test for Doneness: A toothpick or knife should come out clean when it's fully cooked. This is my go-to check.
Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest after baking makes it easier to cut and lets the flavors settle just right.
Convenience Tip:
Make Ahead: To save time in the morning, I prepare my Breakfast Casserole the night before. Just cover it with aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. Overnight, the flavors deepen and the texture sets perfectly, so you can wake up to a delicious, no-fuss breakfast.
Pan & Baking Dish Size: For your convenience, I use an 11-inch diameter pan to prepare the casserole mixture, and the baking dish I use in this recipe measures 11 by 8 inches. I hope this information helps you!