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.

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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.