🧀 Loaded Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
📝 Description
This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground meat, crispy bacon, eggs, and gooey melted cheese into a golden, bubbly dish. Perfect for brunch, meal prep, or a comforting dinner, it’s rich, savory, and super satisfying.
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or breakfast sausage
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar + mozzarella blend works great)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (hash browns or pre-cooked cubes)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped herbs (parsley or chives)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Layer base: Spread potatoes evenly in the dish. Add cooked meat, onions, and bacon on top.
- Mix eggs: Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Pour egg mixture over everything. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cook for 35–45 minutes, until the center is set and top is golden.
- Rest & serve: Let it sit 5–10 minutes before slicing.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Q: Can I substitute the meat?
Absolutely. Try turkey sausage, ham, or even go vegetarian with mushrooms and spinach.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
The center should be firm (not jiggly), and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes—bake first, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for meltiness, or pepper jack for a little kick.