This crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole can be prepared the night before so the morning is relaxed and easy!
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef
1 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 cups milk
5 large eggs
Nonstick cooking spray
8 cups crustless bread cubes (3/4”)
2 cups shredded
Asiago or fontina cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside. Pour off drippings from skillet.
Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms and onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Return beef to skillet. Add thyme; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat. Set aside.
Whisk milk, eggs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl until blended.
Spray 2-1/2 to 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer half of the bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and half of the beef mixture in dish. Pour half of the egg mixture over the top. Top with remaining bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and remaining beef and egg mixtures. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Press any dry bread cubes into egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil; refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight.
Cook’s Tip: To bake strata immediately, heat oven to 350°F. Assemble strata in dish as directed. Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered, 55 minutes. Remove foil. Bake uncovered 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with tomatoes and basil, as desired.
