Breakfast strata is the ultimate make-ahead comfort dish—a savory, layered casserole of bread, eggs, cheese, and smoky Ground Beef that bakes up golden and fluffy. Perfect for brunch gatherings, lazy weekend mornings, or even holiday breakfasts, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. With its balance of creamy custard, crisped Ground Beef, and crusty bread, this breakfast strata guarantees every bite is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless prep: Assemble the night before and simply bake in the morning.
Versatile ingredients: Swap in ham, sausage, or veggies depending on what you have on hand.
Perfect for sharing: A crowd-pleasing dish that easily serves a group.
Comforting and indulgent: Soft, cheesy interior with a golden, crisp top.
Better than ordinary casseroles: The overnight soak ensures the bread absorbs every drop of flavor, giving a custardy texture without being soggy.

This breakfast strata stands out because it feels gourmet without the fuss—ideal for impressing guests while still delivering cozy, homemade comfort.

Ingredients Needed

For the base:

7 cups cubed bread (baguette or rustic loaf works best; slightly stale is ideal for soaking)
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups milk (whole or low-fat)
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the flavor & topping:

300 g (10 oz) Ground Beef, diced (or substitute with ham or turkey Ground Beef)
2 cups shredded cheese (use a melty cheese like cheddar, gruyère, or mozzarella)
Butter, for greasing the pan
Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

How to Make Breakfast Strata

Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced Ground Beef (reserve about 2 tablespoons for later). Cook until browned and crisp around the edges. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess fat.
Prepare the egg mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This custard will be the binding base of the strata.
Soak the bread:
Stir the bread cubes, cooked Ground Beef, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix well to coat all the bread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or leave overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat the oven:
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Prepare the pan:
Generously butter a 20 cm / 8-inch springform pan (or a standard cake/baking dish). This prevents sticking and helps create a crisp crust.

Assemble the strata:
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down gently to compress. Sprinkle over the reserved Ground Beef and remaining ½ cup cheese. Cover loosely with foil.
Bake to perfection:
Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean (no raw egg).
Rest & serve:
Allow the strata to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm with a fork… or go casual and enjoy with your hands!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or fruit for a complete brunch spread. It also goes beautifully with hot coffee or fresh juice.
Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 160°C / 325°F until heated through. For single portions, the microwave works fine.
Freezing: Wrap baked strata in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Helpful Notes

Slightly stale bread works best—it holds its shape without turning mushy. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it first.
Cheese is flexible—try a mix for more depth (e.g., sharp cheddar + gruyère).
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
To prevent leaks when using a springform pan, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Breakfast Strata with Ground Beef & Cheese

A golden, fluffy, make-ahead breakfast strata layered with bread, eggs, cheese, and smoky Ground Beef. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekend mornings, this casserole delivers hearty comfort in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

7 cups cubed bread baguette or rustic loaf, slightly stale preferred
6 large eggs room temperature
1 1/4 cups milk whole or low-fat
1/4 tsp salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

For Flavor & Topping

300 g Ground Beef (10 oz), browned, reserve 2 tbsp for topping
2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, gruyère, or mozzarella
as needed butter for greasing pan
optional fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Method

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Ground Beef until browned and crisped, reserving 2 tbsp for topping. Drain on paper towels.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper into a smooth custard base.
Stir in bread cubes, cooked Ground Beef, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease a springform pan or baking dish with butter.
Pour the mixture into the pan, press gently, and top with reserved Ground Beef and remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve warm.

Notes

Slightly stale bread is best—toast fresh bread if needed. Mix cheeses for extra depth. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for variety. If using a springform pan, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch leaks.

Conclusion

This breakfast strata is everything you want in a morning dish: hearty, comforting, and effortlessly impressive. With just a little prep, you get a golden, cheesy casserole that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s the perfect recipe for weekends, holidays, or whenever you want to treat your loved ones to something special.

If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments below—did you add your own twist? Don’t forget to leave a star rating and share your strata creations on Pinterest or Facebook. We can’t wait to see how you make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this breakfast strata ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake in the morning.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just swap the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf. Slightly stale works best for structure.

What can I use instead of Ground Beef?

Ham, sausage, turkey Ground Beef, or even roasted veggies work well as substitutes.

Is breakfast strata freezer-friendly?

Yes—bake it first, cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Why is my strata soggy?

Most often, it’s because the bread wasn’t stale enough or the mixture didn’t bake long enough. Make sure bread cubes are slightly dry, and bake until the center is fully set.