Beef Breakfast Casserole: Easy, Hearty & Delicious (Print Version)
Beef Breakfast Casserole: Easy & delicious! Make your mornings a breeze with this savory, simple recipe. A family favorite for any day!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Protein & Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef
03 -
30 oz (1 bag) frozen shredded hash browns
→ Dairy & Eggs
04 -
12 large eggs
05 -
1.5 cups whole milk
06 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Aromatics & Veggies
07 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
08 -
1 medium bell pepper (any color), chopped
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings & Fats
10 -
1 tsp salt
11 -
0.5 tsp black pepper
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your biggest skillet and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to brown nicely, getting all those delicious crispy bits. This is where the magic starts, honestly. Drain any excess fat – nobody wants a greasy Beef Breakfast Casserole, trust me, I've made that mistake before and it's not pretty. Once it's browned, set it aside in a bowl.
02 -
In the same skillet (don't even bother washing it, less dishes, right?), add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen – that's when you know you're on the right track! Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a sad smell!
03 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Now, spread those frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom. Don't try to thaw them first; they'll get soggy. Just dump 'em in! This is the foundation of your amazing Beef Breakfast Casserole, so make sure it's a good, even layer. I always press them down a little to compact them.
04 -
Sprinkle half of your cooked ground beef over the hash browns. Then, layer half of your sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture. Next, sprinkle half of that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef, veggies, and cheese. This layering ensures every bite of your Beef Breakfast Casserole is packed with flavor. It's like building a delicious, edible lasagna, but for breakfast!
05 -
In a large bowl, crack your eggs. Whisk them vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined and a little frothy. Pour in the whole milk, then stir in your salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. If you're feeling spicy, now's the time for those red pepper flakes! Give it another good whisk. You want it all incorporated, no weird streaks, or your Beef Breakfast Casserole won't set right.
06 -
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in your baking dish. Make sure it seeps down into every nook and cranny. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown on top, and bubbly around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen at this point is just incredible! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Your Beef Breakfast Casserole is ready!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the fat from the ground beef; it makes a huge difference in texture.
02 -
For best results, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing.
03 -
I've found that pre-baking the hash browns for 10-15 minutes can make the bottom extra crispy.
04 -
This casserole tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prepping!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large skillet
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g