Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish—the Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole! It’s like bringing the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak right to your breakfast table, and trust me, it’s a game changer. I remember the first time I made this for my friends on a lazy Sunday morning. The smell of sautéed onions and peppers filled the air, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. It’s hearty, filling, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture tender ground beef, fluffy eggs, and melted provolone all baked together with crusty Italian bread. It’s the perfect way to kick off your day, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special. Seriously, you’ll want to dig in right away!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound of ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously layered casserole that’s bursting with flavor. I love using fresh veggies and quality cheese to really elevate the dish. The ground beef gives it that classic cheesesteak vibe, while the eggs and milk bind everything together beautifully. The cubed Italian bread adds a nice texture, soaking up all those wonderful flavors. Trust me, you won’t want to skimp on the provolone—it’s what makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this luscious Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’m here to guide you through each step. The aromas will have your kitchen smelling heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until it’s browned. Add in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until the veggies are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, this step really builds that classic cheesesteak flavor!
- While that’s cooking, grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until it’s nice and smooth. You want a fluffy mixture that’ll envelop everything beautifully.
- Next, transfer your cooked beef and veggie mix into the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold in the cubed Italian bread and about a cup of the shredded provolone cheese. This is where all the magic happens—mix until everything is well combined!
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining cheese for that gooey, melty finish.
- Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center is set. Ooh, the smell will be irresistible!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps it hold together nicely when you slice it. Then, serve it up warm and watch everyone fall in love with their first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for any skill level!
- Great for meal prep; you can whip it up ahead of time and reheat.
- Flavorful and filling, it’s a hearty way to start your day.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for brunch gatherings.
This Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen—trust me on that!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each slice of this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on common ingredient brands, so your numbers might vary a bit depending on what you use!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This casserole is not only hearty and filling, but it also packs a good punch of protein to keep you energized for the day ahead. It’s a wonderful option for a satisfying breakfast that won’t leave you feeling sluggish!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use fresh ingredients—fresh veggies and quality cheese really elevate the flavor and texture. It makes a world of difference! Also, don’t rush the cooling process; letting it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing helps it hold together and makes for cleaner cuts. If you want to get creative, feel free to experiment with different meats or add some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. Oh, and if you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe—it’s that good! Trust me, you’ll want leftovers!
Variations
One of the best things about this Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a different protein, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—both options still deliver that hearty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some diced cooked steak or even shredded rotisserie chicken!
When it comes to veggies, the possibilities are endless! Swap out the bell pepper for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. You could also add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick—yum! And let’s not forget the cheese; while provolone is delicious, you can mix it up with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend for extra gooeyness. Seriously, get creative and make this casserole your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool down completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast fix!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the casserole nice and crispy on the edges while warming it up perfectly. Trust me, you won’t lose any of that delicious flavor or texture! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole is great for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning, and you’re all set for a delicious breakfast!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. They’ll still give you that hearty flavor, and you could even try a mix of meats for a fun twist!
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love. Mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can add a burst of flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread instead of Italian bread. Just keep an eye on the other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden and the center is set. If you give it a gentle shake, it shouldn’t jiggle too much. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing for the best results!
Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole for a Hearty Morning
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the egg mixture.
- Fold in the bread cubes and half of the cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak Breakfast Casserole