Name: Easy Beef and Egg Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups bread cubes; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ cup diced bell peppers; ½ cup chopped spinach; ¼ cup diced onions

Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate answer to those chaotic mornings or busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, comforting, and incredibly delicious without the fuss. We all have those days, right? The ones where the alarm feels like a personal attack and the thought of elaborate meal prep sends shivers down your spine. That’s where this spectacular dish shines. It’s the kind of recipe that earns its name by being genuinely simple to assemble, yet delivers a flavor profile that’s anything but basic. People adore this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole because it’s a complete meal in one pan, brimming with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and your favorite creamy cheese, all baked to golden perfection. What truly sets this casserole apart is its incredible adaptability. Whether you’re a fan of a little spice, prefer a milder flavor, or want to sneak in some extra veggies, this recipe is your blank canvas, ready to be transformed into your personal breakfast or brunch masterpiece. Get ready to simplify your life and elevate your meals with this must-try dish!

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage (you can use mild breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even a spicy variety for a kick)
6 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% milk will give you the creamiest result)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
2 cups bread cubes (optional, but they add a wonderful texture and help soak up all the delicious flavors. Stale bread or French bread works best.)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (this adds a subtle smoky depth)
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional, for a touch of sweetness and color. Red, yellow, or green bell peppers are all great.)
½ cup chopped spinach (optional, for added nutrients and a vibrant green hue. Fresh or frozen, just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen.)
¼ cup diced onions (optional, for an aromatic base)

Getting Started: Preparing Your Casserole

Preheating and Browning the Sausage

The first step in creating this delightful Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden-brown top. While the oven is warming up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your pound of breakfast sausage to the skillet. If you’re using a type of sausage that’s leaner, you might need to add a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking, but most breakfast sausages will render enough of their own fat. Break up the sausage with your spatula or a wooden spoon as it cooks. We’re looking for it to be nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess grease, leaving you with just the flavorful bits for your casserole. If you opted to include the diced onions and bell peppers, you can add them to the skillet now, using the rendered sausage fat to sauté them until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re not using onions and peppers, you can skip this sautéing step and move on to the next.

Assembling the Base Layers

Now that our savory components are ready, it’s time to assemble the foundation of our casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re using the optional bread cubes, scatter them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These bread cubes act like little sponges, soaking up all the incredible flavors from the sausage, cheese, and egg mixture. If you’re adding the optional chopped spinach, now’s the time to sprinkle it over the bread cubes, or directly into the dish if you’re not using bread. Next, distribute the browned sausage (and sautéed onions and peppers, if you used them) evenly over the bread cubes or spinach. This creates a hearty and flavorful base for our casserole.

Creating the Rich Egg Mixture

Whisking Together the Custard

In a large bowl, crack your 6 large eggs. Add the 1 cup of milk to the eggs. Now, let’s add the seasonings. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. The garlic powder adds a savory depth, while the smoked paprika lends a subtle, intriguing smokiness that really elevates the dish. Whisk everything together vigorously until the egg yolks and whites are completely incorporated and the mixture is a uniform pale yellow. You want it to be smooth and well-blended; this ensures even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the casserole. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible.

Incorporating the Cheese

Once your egg and milk mixture is perfectly blended, it’s time to add the star of the cheesy show! Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Gently fold the cheese into the egg mixture with a spatula or whisk. You don’t need to overmix here; we just want the cheese to be distributed evenly. Some of the cheese will melt into the egg mixture, while some will remain as delightful pockets of gooeyness that will bake into the casserole. This step ensures that every bite is infused with cheesy goodness.

Baking the Casserole to Perfection

Pouring and Baking

Now for the grand finale of assembly: pour the rich egg and cheese mixture evenly over the sausage, vegetables, and bread cubes in your baking dish. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies so that the custard coats everything. Gently shake the dish a couple of times to help settle the mixture. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the top should have a lovely golden hue.

Resting and Serving

Once your Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up properly, making it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart. It also allows the flavors to meld together even further. Cut into generous squares and serve hot. This casserole is fantastic on its own for breakfast or brunch, but it also pairs wonderfully with toast, a side of fruit, or even some crispy hash browns. Enjoy the comforting and delicious results of your culinary efforts!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious and incredibly simple Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole! This recipe is a weeknight savior and a weekend brunch delight, proving that you don’t need a lot of fuss to create something truly satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this casserole is designed for success, offering a flavorful and hearty meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the process!

For serving, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some fresh fruit, or even a side of home fries. It’s also fantastic on its own, offering a complete and balanced meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Consider adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra color and flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar. You could even swap out the sausage for bacon or ham.

So go ahead, give this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can whip up this comforting and crowd-pleasing dish. Happy cooking!

FAQs:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

What kind of sausage is best for this casserole?

While any breakfast sausage will work, a good quality pork breakfast sausage is a popular choice for its savory flavor. You can also use a mild or spicy Italian sausage, or even a turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a leaner option.