Ground Beef Breakfast Casserole

Recipe features

• Enjoy lean ground beef for breakfast! This recipe turns ground beef into a protein-rich morning favorite that helps keep you full and support muscle maintenance.
• Make-ahead for busy mornings or brunch. It’s designed to be assembled the night before, refrigerated overnight, and baked fresh in the morning.
• Customizable. You can easily substitute proteins and cheeses, add your favorite veggies, or even swap in gluten-free bread cubes to make the casserole your own.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Ground beef. I use 93% lean ground beef. You can swap in 90% lean if that’s what you have, but leaner beef helps keep the casserole from getting too greasy.
• Onion. Diced onions boost the savory flavor of the beef. You can use yellow or white onions here. 
• Seasonings. I use a combination of dried sage, garlic powder, and onion powder to season the beef, and dry mustard, salt, and pepper to flavor the egg mixture. Together, these spices add great flavor.
• Eggs. The eggs create a custardy texture that holds the casserole together. Be sure to use fresh eggs and beat them thoroughly for an ultra-fluffy bake. 
• Milk. I use whole milk to enhance the casserole’s creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or a plant-based milk, although the finished dish may be slightly less rich.
• Cheese. For the best bold, cheesy flavor and melt, I always recommend shredding sharp cheddar from a block. However, you can mix and match other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère, for a more nuanced flavor.
• Bread cubes. The bread soaks up all that cheesy, beefy goodness, creating a custardy, tender interior. Use whatever you love –sprouted grain, whole-grain, white-wheat, sourdough, brioche, or gluten-free bread cubes. Note that stale or lightly toasted bread works best for structure.

How to make a breakfast casserole with ground beef 

Step 1: Cook the beef. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, dried sage, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, if needed, and then set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the egg mixture. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Whisk in the milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined.   

Step 3: Assemble. Spray a 9×13″ baking dish with avocado or olive oil spray, then spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the pan—top with the cooked ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it soaks the bread evenly.

Step 4: Refrigerate overnight. Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate overnight. 

Step 5: Bake. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole uncovered for about an hour. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, and enjoy! 

Recipe tips and FAQs

• Don’t rush the soak. Covering and refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, which results in a custardy, hearty breakfast bake with tender, flavorful layers.
• Bake to perfection. Bake until the top is golden and the center is set. If you jiggle the pan slightly, it should wobble just a little but not be liquidy. This ensures the eggs are fully cooked and the casserole slices cleanly.
• Use a baking sheet. If your pan tends to have hot spots, consider placing the casserole on a baking sheet in the center of the oven to help the heat circulate evenly, giving a uniformly golden top without overcooking the edges.

Variations

• Beef swaps – You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey sausage, or even pork breakfast sausage (like my Sausage & Egg Overnight Breakfast Casserole. Turkey or chicken keep it leaner, while pork sausage adds a bit of spice and richness.
• Add veggies – A mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and baby spinach would be a great addition to this casserole. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding, so your casserole doesn’t get soggy. 
• Spice it up – Feel free to add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat. 

Serving suggestions 

This beefy casserole makes a hearty breakfast on its own, but you can always pair it with a few classic breakfast or brunch sides if you’re feeding a crowd –think summer dragon fruit salad, fresh berries, crispy sliced potatoes, and warm, toasted bread or biscuits. Don’t forget your favorite hot sauce to give it a little kick!