Classic Breakfast Beef Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe

Rustic Breakfast Beef Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

Mornings burst with comfort when you whip up this hearty breakfast sausage and egg casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of golden eggs, savory beef sausage, and melted cheese create a delightful morning feast.

Rich flavors meld together in every single bite, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a breakfast masterpiece.

Each forkful delivers warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of lazy Sunday mornings.

The combination of protein-packed eggs and seasoned beef sausage ensures you start your day energized and happy.

This casserole will become your go-to breakfast champion that everyone will request time and again.

Ingredients for Classic Beef and Egg Breakfast Bake

Protein Base:
  • Beef Sausage: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor to the casserole.
  • Eggs: Creamy protein that binds the entire dish together.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk: Smooth liquid that creates a silky texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy that enhances the casserole's creaminess.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide delicious golden topping.
Bread and Seasoning:
  • Bread Cubes: Soft base that soaks up the delicious egg mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth of flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and brightness.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Aluminum Foil: Useful for initial baking coverage.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Essential for greasing the baking dish.

Steps to Make a Hearty Morning Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Toss beef sausage into a large skillet and cook over medium heat.

Break the meat into bite-sized crumbles while it sizzles.

Once fully cooked, drain away any extra grease and set the meat aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, crack open eggs and combine with:
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole Foundation

Spread bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread, creating a delicious base layer.

Step 5: Pour and Cover

Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, making sure every bread cube gets a good soak.

Sprinkle a generous layer of:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a firm center.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped green onions.

Slice and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips for Cooking the Best Breakfast Sausage Casserole

  • Choose day-old crusty bread like sourdough or brioche for better texture and absorption of egg mixture, preventing soggy results.
  • Drain sausage thoroughly and pat dry to reduce excess moisture, ensuring a firm and well-set breakfast casserole.
  • Prepare casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for even heating.
  • Add herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture for a gourmet twist and enhanced aromatic experience.
  • Swap beef sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based alternative for lighter, healthier version without compromising taste and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Breakfast Casserole Leftovers

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place refrigerated casserole in a preheated 350°F oven. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Cut individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

Great Sides for Your Breakfast Sausage Bake

  • Pair Zesty Morning Mimosas: Brighten the hearty casserole with a classic orange juice and champagne cocktail that cuts through the rich, savory flavors.
  • Complement with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light, crisp side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness.
  • Match with Robust Coffee Blend: Choose a medium-dark roast coffee with subtle chocolate undertones that enhances the sausage's smoky profile and provides a warm morning accompaniment.
  • Serve Alongside Spicy Bloody Mary: Craft a bold, zesty bloody mary with extra horseradish and crisp celery, which provides a bright, spicy counterpoint to the creamy egg dish.

Tasty Style Options for Your Breakfast Casserole

  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace beef sausage with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based sausage crumbles, maintaining the same seasoning profile for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap bread cubes with cauliflower florets or almond flour-based bread cubes, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory essence of the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free bread or substitute with quinoa, ensuring the casserole remains accessible for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the classic breakfast flavor.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the traditional casserole into a Mediterranean-style breakfast dish with vibrant, fresh ingredients.

FAQs

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and bake the next morning. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture better. Sourdough, white bread, or French bread are excellent choices. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it might become too mushy.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You can substitute the beef sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. The egg and cheese mixture will remain the same.

  • Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Absolutely! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Why This Beef Sausage Breakfast Casserole Works So Well

  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with crowd-pleasing ingredients like sausage, eggs, and cheese, this dish guarantees smiles around the table for all ages.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or make-ahead meal planning, this casserole adapts to any gathering or meal occasion with its hearty and satisfying flavors.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs to create a unique breakfast experience that suits your taste preferences.
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Classic Breakfast Beef Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe

Classic Breakfast Beef Sausage And Egg Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty classic breakfast beef sausage and egg casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in every savory bite. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese create a satisfying morning meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) beef sausage (mild or spicy)

Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Egg and Bread Mixture:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 6 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Crumble the beef sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking thoroughly until browned. Drain excess fat and set the meat aside.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
  4. Create a base layer in the baking dish by evenly distributing bread cubes across the entire surface.
  5. Scatter the cooked beef sausage crumbles uniformly over the bread layer to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
  6. Gently pour the seasoned egg mixture across the bread and sausage, carefully saturating all bread cubes with the liquid.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
  8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center sets and the top transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to stabilize the structure.
  11. Slice into portions and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness before serving warm.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing bread to soak up egg mixture for deeper flavor and more tender texture.
  • Bread Swap Trick: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption and a more structured casserole that holds its shape perfectly.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace bread cubes with cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini for a keto-friendly version without compromising on taste.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or add red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that elevates the classic breakfast flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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