Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Looking for a make-ahead breakfast that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd? This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate solution. Loaded with savory beef, eggs, cheese, and fresh veggies layered over cubes of bread, it’s a no-fuss dish you prep the night before and simply bake in the morning. Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or busy mornings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks together in one casserole dish for easy cleanup.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, cheese, or swap out the meat to suit your preferences.
Comforting & Satisfying – A warm, cheesy breakfast packed with flavor and protein.
Great for a Crowd – Feeds a group and perfect for gatherings or brunch parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 6 cups bread cubes (day-old or slightly toasted white, sourdough, or whole grain)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)

For the Egg Mixture:

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cooked broccoli florets
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and add the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Spread the cooked beef and veggie mixture over the bread cubes in the dish.
5. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 2: Mix the Eggs
6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure all the bread gets soaked.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This helps the bread absorb all the egg mixture for a fluffy texture.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
11. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
12. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread soaks up the egg mixture better, giving a soft yet structured texture.
Press It Down – Gently pressing the casserole before chilling ensures the bread fully absorbs the egg mix.
Let It Sit Before Baking – Taking it out of the fridge for a bit before baking helps it cook evenly.
Customize Freely – Swap out beef for ground chicken or turkey, use different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack, or load it up with extra veggies.

Serving Suggestions
Fresh Fruit – A side of mixed berries or melon balances the savory flavors.
Yogurt Parfaits – Add a sweet and creamy complement to your morning plate.
Hot Sauce or Salsa – For a zesty kick, serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or spoonful of salsa.
Orange Juice or Coffee – Keep it classic with your favorite breakfast drink.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Slice and freeze portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes! Use dairy-free milk and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
2. Can I use different bread types?
   Absolutely. Sourdough, brioche, whole wheat, or even croissants add different textures and flavors.
3. Can I add hash browns instead of bread?
   Yes, shredded or cubed hash browns work well for a heartier, potato-based twist.
4. What’s the best way to know when it’s done?
   The casserole is ready when the center is firm and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Final Thoughts
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that blends convenience with comfort. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or simply want a no-stress morning, this savory dish has you covered. With customizable ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review below and tag your breakfast creation online. I’d love to see your version!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 520mg

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