Name: Cheesy Beef Bacon Potato Breakfast Casserole Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 large potatoes (peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces); 1-2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp salt (for potatoes); 250 g (+-9oz) streaky beef bacon (chopped into ½-inch pieces); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (crushed); 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided); 5 large eggs; ½ cup milk; ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream; 2 tsp salt (for egg mixture); 1 tsp black pepper

Cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of comfort, flavor, and pure morning bliss. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory beef, smoky bacon, and fluffy potatoes all baked together under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. This isn’t just any breakfast; it’s an experience designed to banish sleepy mornings and kickstart your day with unparalleled satisfaction. What is it about this particular combination that makes it a crowd-pleaser, a go-to for brunches, or a weekend treat that everyone raves about? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes – the crispy edges of the potatoes, the tender chunks of beef, the salty crunch of the bacon, and the rich, decadent cheese that ties it all together. This Cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, guaranteed to become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

3 large potatoes (peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces)
1-2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt (for potatoes)
250 g (+-9oz) streaky bacon (chopped into ½-inch pieces)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (crushed)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided)
5 large eggs
½ cup milk
¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
2 tsp salt (for egg mixture)
1 tsp black pepper

Prepare the Potatoes

The foundation of our cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole starts with perfectly cooked potatoes. Begin by peeling your three large potatoes. Once peeled, cube them into roughly ½-inch pieces. It’s important that the cubes are a similar size to ensure they cook evenly. For this initial step, we’ll want to par-cook the potatoes so they soften but don’t become mushy. In a large pot, combine the cubed potatoes with enough cold water to cover them completely. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water – this helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for them to be fork-tender but still have a slight resistance. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole. While the potatoes are still warm, toss them with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. This adds a lovely richness and helps them crisp up slightly in the oven later. Set the oiled potatoes aside.

Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

Now, let’s build some flavor! Grab a large skillet and place your chopped streaky bacon in it. Cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once the bacon is crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This allows the excess grease to drain away, leaving you with perfectly rendered bacon pieces. Don’t discard all the bacon grease from the skillet! Leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan – this flavorful fat will be used to sauté our aromatics. If you have more than 2 tablespoons, carefully pour off the excess. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and begins to soften, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Next, add the crushed garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onion and garlic mixture cool slightly.

Assemble the Casserole Base

It’s time to bring our delicious components together. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Now, take your seasoned, par-cooked potatoes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about half of your grated cheddar cheese (approximately 1 cup) over the potatoes. This is where the cheesy goodness begins! Next, scatter the crispy, chopped bacon evenly over the cheese and potato layer. Finally, distribute the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the bacon. This layered approach ensures every bite of your cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole will be packed with flavor and texture.

Prepare the Custard and Pour

The creamy custard is what binds all the wonderful ingredients in our cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole together. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 5 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and ¾ cup of heavy or whipping cream. The heavy cream will lend a wonderful richness and luxurious texture to the casserole. Whisk until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Season this custard with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good whisk to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Now, carefully and slowly pour this egg mixture evenly over the assembled layers of potatoes, bacon, onions, and garlic in the baking dish. Try to get as much of the liquid into all the nooks and crannies as possible. This ensures all parts of the casserole get that lovely, tender, custard-like consistency.

Bake to Golden Perfection

The final step is to bake our cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole to a beautiful golden brown. Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. You can test for doneness by gently inserting a knife or a toothpick into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the inside is set, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the hot surface. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a glorious, gooey topping. Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut neat portions. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole is sure to become a weekend brunch favorite. Its comforting layers of savory beef, crispy bacon, fluffy potatoes, and gooey cheese create a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. I hope you enjoyed making and, more importantly, eating this delicious dish as much as I did! Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe; it’s wonderfully adaptable.

For serving suggestions, this casserole shines on its own, but a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or some extra crispy bacon would be delightful additions. When it comes to variations, feel free to swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or add some sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also add a nice kick. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cheesy beef bacon potato breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. You might want to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.

What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?

While sharp cheddar is a classic choice and provides a great flavor, feel free to mix it up! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers a wonderfully melty texture. Gruyere would also add a sophisticated nuttiness, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra salty bite.