Can I use breakfast sausage instead of ground meat?

Absolutely! Breakfast sausage works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply cook it as directed, breaking it up as it browns. You may want to reduce the added salt slightly since breakfast sausage typically contains more sodium than plain ground meat.

What's the best bread to use for this casserole?

White sandwich bread creates the most neutral base, allowing the other flavors to shine. However, sourdough adds a nice tang, and whole grain bread contributes more texture and nutrition. Whatever you choose, make sure it's slightly dried out for best absorption of the egg mixture.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the meat with 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use a meat substitute or an extra cup of cheese for protein. The seasonings work just as well with these alternatives.

Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?

This usually happens when there's too much liquid or not enough baking time. Make sure your meat is well-drained after cooking, and don't substitute ingredients with higher water content. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn't set, cover with foil and continue baking until the center reaches 160°F.

Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Description

This hearty sausage and cheddar breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for feeding a crowd. Packed with seasoned ground meat, fluffy eggs, and layers of melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting breakfast or brunch option that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a must-try recipe!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ground Meat

1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken
1 tsp dried rosemary
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder

Egg Mixture

12 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
3/4 tsp ground mustard
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder

To Finish

8 slices sandwich bread (white bread recommended)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
Cook the ground meat:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and use a spatula to crumble it while cooking. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Mix in rosemary, salt, black pepper, and chili powder for added flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the egg mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oregano, parsley, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Make sure everything is well combined and set aside.
Assemble the casserole:
Remove the crusts from the sandwich bread slices and place them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked ground meat evenly over the bread layer. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and then pour the egg mixture over the entire dish to cover evenly.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This recipe’s nutritional information is calculated using 93% lean ground turkey.
For added flavor, feel free to use seasoned ground sausage instead of plain ground meat.
To make it ahead, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh in the morning!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 240mg