Beef and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for mornings when you need something hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. This all-in-one breakfast bake combines seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, fluffy eggs, and bread cubes to create a savory dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit with family and guests.
At its core, the casserole features a base of cubed bread, day-old or toasted works best, which soaks up a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, forming a creamy, quiche-like texture. Browned ground beef, often seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, and pepper, adds protein and richness. The cheddar cheese brings a sharp, melty element that pairs perfectly with the beef, adding depth and creaminess to every bite.
Optional ingredients like diced bell peppers, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce can be added for extra flavor and texture. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until golden on top and cooked through in the center, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient.
One of the biggest advantages of this breakfast casserole is that it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for busy weekdays, holidays, or brunch gatherings. It also reheats well, so leftovers can easily be enjoyed the next day.
Serve it on its own or with a side of fresh fruit, hash browns, or toast for a complete breakfast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something filling and delicious to start your day, Beef and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- onion small, diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 slices bread crusts removed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs large
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp thyme dried
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Place 3 slices of bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, half of the sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
I made this casserole for brunch and everyone loved it! So delicious and filling. Will definitely make it again!
So glad it turned out great for you! I love how filling it is too. Perfect for brunch!
Meh. I expected more flavor. Adding hot sauce does help tho.
This tasted good, but mine was a little dry. I baked closer to 40 minutes and next time I’ll pull it at 35 or tent with foil.
Hmm I’m surprised it got dry—mine always stays pretty moist around 35-37. Maybe your milk/egg mix needed a bit more? Still, good call on checking earlier.
Glad you liked it! Dry casseroles usually mean it went a bit too long or the bread soaked up more liquid—your 35-min idea/tent with foil sounds spot on.
Not enough flavor for me. Maybe add more spices next time.
Tasted good, but the prep was a bit much. I just want a quick meal in the morn.
I was worried it would be too eggy, but it turned out nicely set and not rubbery. The bread layers help a lot. Would recommend letting it cool like it says.
Mine turned out a bit bland even with the salt/pepper. I think my cheddar was mild? Next time I’ll use sharp cheddar or add some mustard.
Totally feel you—cheddar makes or breaks this. Mild cheddar can definitely leave it tasting flat. Sharp cheddar + a tiny pinch more salt usually fixes it for me.
This is a little too heavy for me. Like, it’s good, but the amount of cheese + eggs makes it feel super rich. Would eat it, just not all the time.
Hmm I dunno, 2 cups cheese + 6 eggs is kinda the whole point tho 😅 But yeah if you’re not a heavy-cheese person, it’ll feel too rich. Maybe serve with something acidic or fresh on the side?
Totally get that—this one’s definitely a “brunch splurge” casserole. I usually cut the eggs down to 4 or go lighter on the cheese (like 1 to 1 1/2 cups) and it still tastes great.
The eggs made it too watery. I followed the recipe exactly and it was all mushy!
Sounds like you might have added too much milk or eggs. They can make it soggy! Next time, maybe try reducing one of those? Just a thought!
Wow, comfort food level: 10/10. I used smoked paprika instead of regular and it gave this nice bacon-y vibe without bacon.
That bacon-y vibe sounds awesome—smoked paprika is the move. I might try it next time with just a tiny bit more paprika so it really pops.
I don’t know… smoked paprika can be pretty strong. I’d be worried it overpowers the cheddar and eggs. But hey, if you said it’s 10/10 comfort food then maybe I’m wrong 😅
I’m skeptical about mixing bread slices like that—mine got kinda soggy. Flavor was decent though, so I ate it anyway.
It was ok, but I felt like it needed something else…maybe some more spices?
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about 6 slices bread for a 9×13—felt like a lot of bread. But the end result was actually balanced.
Yum! Perfect for breakfast or brunch. I added some hot sauce on top and it was so good.
Made this for brunch and everyone was stuffed! Love the cheese.
350°F for 35-40 minutes is way too short—eggs usually need more time than that, right? Mine was kinda runny in the middle even after. Would only do it again if I test doneness more carefully.
I accidentally left the crusts on (oops). It still worked, but the texture was chewier than I wanted. Sauce-wise it’s on point.
Beef and cheese for breakfast? Heck yeah!!! This is my new fave!
I followed it but my veggies didn’t soften as much as expected. Next time I’ll cook the onion/pepper longer. Flavor was okay, eggs came out a bit dense.
This casserole is a game changer for breakfast! My family loved it.
I agree! This recipe is so good, my kids actually ate their veggies. Win-win!
Me & my kids loved it!! Even my picky eater tried it!
That’s awesome! It’s always a win when picky eaters try something new. Mine loved it too!
Looks good, but my kids would never touch that. They are so fussy!
Best breakfast ever! I added some hot sauce and it was fantastic!
Eh, it was fine. Not the best I’ve had, but not the worst either. Just meh.
Made this for brunch and it was gone fast. The cheddar + paprika combo is *chef’s kiss*. Next time I’ll add a little hot sauce on my plate.
Pretty solid. I used turkey instead of beef and it still worked, just less rich. Cook time was spot on for me at 37 minutes.
Not bad, but mine didn’t really “set” after 40 minutes. I think my eggs were from a smaller carton? Still tasted good though.
This was amazing! My family devoured it in no time. Will definitely make again!
So happy to hear that! It really is a crowd-pleaser. What do you think you’ll add next time?
This is my kinda recipe, but I’d add some breakfast sausage… unless that changes everything. Also 350°F seems low but it turned out fine.
Meh. It wasn’t that special, just a dish with beef and eggs. Kinda basic.
Made this for brunch and it disappeared fast. The cheddar + spices really hit, and the 9×13 size was perfect for our group.
This casserole was a hit at our brunch! Super cheesy and filling.
So good. Easy!
Right?! I made this on a busy morning and it still turned out great—super comforting and not fussy.
Easy for sure, but I think 35 minutes is a little short for my oven. I usually bake closer to 45 so it actually sets.
This recipe is amazing! It tastes so good and my family loved it.
Casserole? I thought it was a sandwich, lol! Anyway, looks easy.
This is comfort food. Also my kids ate it without complaining (rare!). Next time I’m adding mushrooms because that seems like a good idea.
Bland. Needs more seasoning!! I added hot sauce and that helped a lot.
I thought it was perfect! Sometimes less is more. Can’t believe you found it bland!
I don’t know, I kinda liked it how it was. Maybe you just need to get used to less seasoning?
I made this but forgot the onion… not sure if it was as good without it.
Missing the onion must’ve changed the flavor a lot! I usually can’t live without it in casseroles.
I followed the recipe but it came out too soggy, any tips?
This is a fantastic recipe! Loved the combination of beef and cheese. My kids devoured it!
Not sure about the thyme + oregano combo in a breakfast casserole… kind of tastes like I accidentally made something Italian. Would still eat it, but I’d tweak it.
I tried making this but it came out really dry. I think I needed more milk. Will add more next time.
Very bland for me… I had to double the black pepper and add more salt. Also my top got golden brown way before it was set so I covered it with foil halfway.
I like the concept, but I think 1 lb ground beef is a bit much for a 9×13 if you’re not using extra cheese too. Still tasted good though—would maybe use 3-4 slices bread instead of 6 for a less bready texture.
I don’t eat beef, can I use turkey instead? Is it still gonna taste the same??
Yeah, you can definitely use turkey instead of beef! It might change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be good. Just make sure to season it well!
I dunno, turkey tastes like nothing to me. Wouldn’t it be bland? Might as well just eat cardboard…
Followed it step by step. But forgot the thyme and still turned out tasty! Reminder to read carefully next time.
Easy to make and my kids ate it without complaining! Thanks!
Really easy to make but the bread got too soggy for my taste. Maybe cut back on the milk?
Casseroles are the best. But why do they take so long to cook?!
Totally agree! Casseroles are amazing but I always feel like I have to wait forever. Maybe they need a speed up button? 😂
Why does it take so long? I dunno, maybe it’s the layers? But, it’s worth it for the yumminess at the end!
This casserole was amazing! A perfect way to start the day. My whole family loved it.
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! This is a go-to recipe for me on busy mornings.
Tasty! This recipe is super easy. Would make again for sure! 🌟
I don’t know, it turned out kind of bland. I expected more flavor with all those spices.
Great recipe! I added some hot sauce for a kick. Yum! Will make again.
Never thought beef for breakfast! But wow, this is delicious. Gonna make it again.
Followed it pretty much exactly—except I used smoked paprika. Came out golden and set perfectly. Definitely keeping this for weekends.
Okay, but my family thought it was too cheesy. Next time, less cheese!
Followed it pretty much exactly, but mine took closer to 45 minutes to set. Still turned out great—family went back for seconds.
Good to hear! 45 minutes makes sense—ovens vary a lot. Glad it still set up and everyone went back for seconds 😄
The prep is simple, but dicing everything took me forever. If you’re short on time, I’d use frozen diced onions/peppers maybe.
Frozen diced onions/peppers would totally work—just make sure you don’t dump in a ton of ice/melted liquid so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
Not bad, but mine was a little bland. I think my cheddar wasn’t salty enough, and I might increase the paprika/pepper. The instructions are clear though.
Easy to make and really filling! Will definitely make it again.
I followed the recipe but it came out too dry. Any tips?