Name: Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American – Comfort Breakfast
Ingredients: 6 cups bread cubes (day-old French bread or whole wheat, cubed); 1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color); ½ cup chopped onion; ½ cup baby spinach (optional); 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk (any kind, or use half-and-half for richness); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning; Chopped parsley; Extra cheese for topping; Sliced green onions; Hot sauce or salsa on the side

Description

Make your mornings stress-free and delicious with this Overnight Breakfast Casserole! Packed with fluffy eggs, hearty bread, savory sausage or beef, and melty cheese, this make-ahead dish is perfect for busy weekdays, holiday brunches, or meal prepping for the week. Just prep it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh in the morning for a warm, satisfying start to your day.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

6 cups bread cubes (day-old French bread or whole wheat, cubed)
1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup baby spinach (optional)

For the Egg Mixture:

8 large eggs
2 cups milk (any kind, or use half-and-half for richness)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Optional Toppings:

Chopped parsley
Extra cheese for topping
Sliced green onions
Hot sauce or salsa on the side

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until slightly soft, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spread bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
5. Top with cooked meat, sautéed veggies, and spinach if using.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard
7. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
8. Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
9. Gently press down with a spoon to soak the bread into the egg mixture.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
10. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
11. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Bake in the Morning
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Uncover the casserole and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
14. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
15. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
16. Serve with fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad.

Notes

Use Day-Old Bread – It soaks up the custard better than fresh.
Make it Meat-Free – Skip the meat or use plant-based sausage.
Try Different Cheeses – Mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack, or feta work great.
Adjust Veggies – Use mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Test for Doneness – The center should not jiggle when done baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American – Comfort Breakfast