Easy Beef Sausage And Egg Casserole: Perfect Breakfast

Sausage And Egg Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting invitation to a relaxed morning, an effortless solution for feeding a hungry crowd, and a beloved centerpiece for any brunch spread. I find there’s something truly magical about waking up to the aroma of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese baking gently in the oven, promising a hearty start to the day without the morning rush. This quintessential casserole has earned its place as a weekend tradition and a holiday staple for excellent reasons.

A Beloved Breakfast Tradition

Historically, casseroles gained immense popularity in America as practical, one-dish meals perfect for simplifying cooking and sharing at potlucks. The breakfast casserole, in particular, evolved to meet the need for convenient, make-ahead options that could easily feed families or guests. People adore this dish for its incredible taste—the perfect harmony of protein, dairy, and often a touch of bread or potato for texture—combined with its unparalleled convenience. The ability to assemble the entire dish the night before means you can enjoy a leisurely morning, simply popping it into the oven when you’re ready. This delightful Sausage And Egg Casserole offers a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting warmth, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: I usually opt for a mild pork breakfast sausage, but feel free to choose spicy if you like a kick in your Sausage And Egg Casserole! Make sure it’s a loose ground sausage, not links.
• 1 medium yellow onion: Diced finely. This adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the savory sausage beautifully in our Sausage And Egg Casserole.
• 1 large bell pepper: Any color works – green for a slightly bitter note, red or yellow for sweetness. Diced into small, uniform pieces.
• 10-12 large eggs: The heart of our casserole! Fresh eggs make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• 2 cups milk: Whole milk offers the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but 2% or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk can be used.
• 8 slices bread: Stale bread is ideal for soaking up all the eggy goodness without becoming soggy. You can use white, whole wheat, or sourdough bread. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its robust flavor, but a cheddar-jack blend or even mozzarella can be used for a milder taste.
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard: This secret ingredient doesn’t make the casserole taste like mustard; instead, it enhances the savory, eggy flavor beautifully. Don’t skip it if you have it!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, keeping in mind the sausage and cheese will also contribute saltiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best for maximum aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Cooking spray or additional butter: For greasing your baking dish.

Equipment You’ll Need:

To prepare this delightful Sausage And Egg Casserole, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll definitely want a sturdy 9×13-inch (3-quart) baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass, as this size is perfect for feeding a crowd and ensures even baking. A large non-stick skillet is indispensable for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables without sticking. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl for whisking the eggs and milk, a whisk or fork, and a good sharp chef’s knife along with a cutting board for prepping your onion and bell pepper. A colander will come in handy for draining the fat from the cooked sausage. Lastly, measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate ingredient amounts, and oven mitts are a must for safety when handling hot dishes. Having these tools ready will set you up for success in creating the ultimate Sausage And Egg Casserole.

Preparing Your Delicious Sausage And Egg Casserole:

1. 1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Before we dive into the delicious components of our Sausage And Egg Casserole, it’s crucial to set up for success. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your casserole is ready to bake, the oven is at the optimal temperature for even cooking and perfect golden-brown results. While the oven warms up, take your 9×13-inch (or similar 3-quart) baking dish and generously grease it with butter, cooking spray, or a light coating of olive oil. Ensuring the dish is well-greased is key to preventing the casserole from sticking, making serving a breeze and cleanup much simpler. This foundational step is absolutely essential for a successful Sausage And Egg Casserole experience.
2. 2. Prepare the Bread Base: Now, let’s get the base for our Sausage And Egg Casserole ready. Take your 8 slices of bread and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity here; rustic cubes work just fine. If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in a dry skillet or a toaster for a few minutes to help it dry out a bit. Stale or slightly toasted bread is preferred because it will absorb the egg mixture more effectively without becoming overly mushy during baking. Once cubed, evenly spread the bread pieces across the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. This layer will soak up all the flavorful liquids, providing a delightful texture contrast to the fluffy eggs and savory sausage.
3. 3. Cook the Breakfast Sausage: This is where the amazing aromas for our Sausage And Egg Casserole really begin! Heat your large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the entire pound of breakfast sausage directly into the hot skillet. Using a spoon or spatula, break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently, allowing the sausage to brown evenly on all sides. You’re looking for beautifully caramelized bits and no pink remaining. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Cooking the sausage thoroughly is important not just for safety, but also for developing deep, savory flavors that will permeate the entire casserole. Once fully cooked and nicely browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the cooked sausage to a colander lined with a few paper towels, or simply use a slotted spoon to transfer it directly to a bowl, allowing any excess grease to drain away. Draining the fat is a crucial step to prevent your Sausage And Egg Casserole from becoming greasy and heavy.
4. 4. Sauté the Aromatics: With the sausage cooked, we’ll use the same skillet (no need to clean it; the residual sausage flavor is a bonus!) to sauté our vegetables. If there’s a significant amount of grease left, you can wipe some out, but a little bit is fine. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet, then add your diced yellow onion and bell pepper. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion has become translucent. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. This step is key for building a complex flavor profile in your Sausage And Egg Casserole, as sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and softens their texture, making them more enjoyable in the final dish.
5. 5. Combine Sausage and Vegetables: Once the vegetables are softened, add the drained, cooked breakfast sausage back into the skillet with the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Stir everything together well, ensuring the savory sausage and fragrant vegetables are evenly distributed. Give it a good stir, letting the flavors meld together for a minute or two over low heat. This combined mixture forms the robust, flavorful core of your Sausage And Egg Casserole. Turn off the heat and set this savory combination aside momentarily.
6. 6. Whisk the Egg Mixture: Now for the essential liquid component of our Sausage And Egg Casserole! In your large mixing bowl, crack all 10-12 large eggs. To the eggs, add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard (trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer for egg dishes!), 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Using a whisk, vigorously beat the mixture for at least 2-3 minutes, or until the eggs are completely broken up, the yolks and whites are fully incorporated, and the mixture is light and slightly frothy. Thorough whisking is vital for achieving a consistently fluffy and evenly textured Sausage And Egg Casserole. You don’t want streaks of clear egg white in your final dish. This well-aerated egg mixture is what will bind all the delicious elements together.

Assembling the Sausage And Egg Casserole:

7. 7. Layer the Sausage and Veggies: Retrieve your baking dish with the cubed bread. Carefully spoon the combined mixture of cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and bell peppers evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible so that every bite of your Sausage And Egg Casserole gets a good mix of these hearty ingredients. This layer sits directly on top of the bread, creating a robust foundation.
8. 8. Add the Cheese Layer: Next up, the glorious cheese! Take your 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture. The cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the eggs and sausage. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s a key flavor and texture component of any good Sausage And Egg Casserole! If you like, you can reserve a small handful of cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 15-20 minutes of baking for an extra golden-brown crust.
9. 9. Pour the Egg Mixture: Now for the final pour! Slowly and carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over all the layers in the baking dish. Pour it evenly, making sure to saturate the bread cubes as much as possible. You might need to gently tilt the dish slightly to help the liquid distribute into all the nooks and crannies. This egg mixture will bind everything together as it bakes, transforming the individual components into a cohesive and delicious Sausage And Egg Casserole.
10. 10. Allow to Rest and Absorb: This step is often overlooked but is crucial for the best texture in your Sausage And Egg Casserole. Once you’ve poured the egg mixture, use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently press down on the bread and other ingredients, ensuring they are well-submerged in the liquid. Then, cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight (8-12 hours). The resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, preventing a dry base and ensuring a wonderfully moist and tender casserole. If you’re making this for a breakfast or brunch, preparing it the night before makes morning cooking incredibly simple and stress-free!

Baking the Perfect Sausage And Egg Casserole:

11. 11. Prepare for Baking: When you’re ready to bake your Sausage And Egg Casserole, remove it from the refrigerator. If it’s been chilling overnight, let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to come closer to room temperature. This helps with more even baking. Remove any plastic wrap. We want to prevent the top from browning too quickly, so it’s a good idea to cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This step is especially important to allow the eggs to set properly without the cheese or bread on top becoming overly browned before the interior is cooked through.
12. 12. Initial Bake (Covered): Carefully place the foil-covered baking dish into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 30 minutes. During this initial baking period, the heat will begin to penetrate the center of the casserole, and the eggs will start to set. The foil creates a steamy environment, which promotes gentle cooking and prevents the top from drying out or burning. This phase is critical for achieving that perfect fluffy texture in your Sausage And Egg Casserole.
13. 13. Uncover and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes. During this phase, the top of the casserole will begin to brown beautifully, and the cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust. You’ll know your Sausage And Egg Casserole is ready when the center is set (no jiggling when you gently shake the dish), and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should register 160°F (71°C) for food safety. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact depth of your casserole, so keep an eye on it.
14. 14. Rest Before Serving: Once your Sausage And Egg Casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. This next step is crucial for achieving the best texture and preventing it from falling apart when sliced. Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period allows the eggs to fully set and firm up, making clean cuts much easier. It also allows the heat to redistribute throughout the casserole, ensuring every bite is uniformly warm and delicious. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely incredible, promising a truly satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions and Storage:

15. 15. Serve and Enjoy: After resting, slice your warm Sausage And Egg Casserole into squares and serve immediately. This hearty and flavorful dish stands wonderfully on its own, packed with protein and deliciousness. However, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to add a touch of freshness, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a sweet contrast. Some people also enjoy a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, or a dash of hot sauce on top for an extra layer of flavor. This versatile Sausage And Egg Casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even a comforting weeknight dinner.
16. 16. Storing Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers of this fantastic Sausage And Egg Casserole, they store remarkably well! Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
17. 17. Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, individual slices can be warmed in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For a larger portion or if you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the covered casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Sometimes, an air fryer can also do wonders for reheating individual slices, making them nice and crispy on the outside in just a few minutes. Enjoying leftover Sausage And Egg Casserole is almost as good as the first time, making it a great make-ahead meal option!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through what I truly believe is one of the most satisfying and effortlessly delicious recipes you could ever add to your repertoire. I really hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about trying this out. This isn’t just another breakfast dish; it’s a culinary hug, a warm invitation to gather loved ones around the table, and a brilliant solution for everything from busy weekday mornings to leisurely weekend brunches. The sheer convenience of being able to prepare so much of it ahead of time is, for me, an absolute game-changer. Imagine waking up, popping it in the oven, and having a spectacular meal ready with minimal fuss. It truly delivers on all fronts: flavor, ease, and that wonderful comforting feeling only a homemade dish can provide. I promise you, once you taste that perfect blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about it.

What makes this recipe an absolute must-try, you ask? Well, beyond its incredible taste, it’s the simplicity combined with the impressive outcome. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve a perfect golden crust and a wonderfully cooked interior. The ingredients are accessible, and the steps are straightforward, making it an ideal choice for cooks of all skill levels. It’s robust enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites, yet refined enough to impress guests. It takes the humble breakfast components and elevates them into something truly special, transforming them into a cohesive and incredibly flavorful dish. The way the spices from the sausage permeate the eggs and blend with the cheese creates a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. It’s substantial without being overly heavy, striking that ideal balance for a truly satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations

Now, let’s talk about how to make this culinary masterpiece even better or how to adapt it to your preferences. While the Sausage And Egg Casserole is undeniably brilliant on its own, there are so many ways to serve and tweak it. For a classic breakfast experience, I love to serve generous slices alongside a vibrant fruit salad, perhaps with some freshly squeezed orange juice and a steaming cup of coffee. The brightness of the fruit provides a beautiful contrast to the rich, savory casserole. For those who enjoy a little kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of fresh salsa can really elevate each bite, adding a zesty, spicy dimension that is simply irresistible. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley right before serving also adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

But don’t stop there! This casserole is incredibly versatile. Want to add more vegetables? Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini can be easily folded into the egg mixture before baking, boosting both nutrition and flavor. If you’re looking for a different protein, consider swapping out the sausage for diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative to suit different palates or dietary needs. You can also play with the cheese – a sharp cheddar is always a winner, but a Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack can introduce exciting new flavor profiles. For an extra layer of texture, some people love to add a thin layer of hash browns or tater tots to the bottom of the baking dish before pouring in the egg mixture – just be sure to pre-cook them slightly so they don’t make the casserole watery. The possibilities are truly endless, and that’s one of the things I love most about this recipe – it encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

So, there you have it. My heartfelt plea for you to give this wonderful recipe a try. I genuinely believe it will become a cherished staple in your home, just as it has in mine. It’s more than just food; it’s about creating moments, sharing joy, and savoring truly delicious flavors. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful cooking adventure. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this dish, I would absolutely love to hear from you. Please share your experiences, tell me about any variations you tried, or even send me a photo of your magnificent creation! Your feedback and culinary adventures truly inspire me. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how much you loved it!