Description
This Taco Breakfast Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a weekend brunch or a special family breakfast. It combines seasoned ground beef, crunchy bread cubes, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg mixture infused with zesty diced tomatoes and green chiles. Prepared ahead of time and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying way to start your day with a savory Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- â…” cup water
Bread and Cheese
- 6 slices white bread
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Return the beef to the skillet, add the taco seasoning packet and â…” cup of water. Stir to combine, then simmer for 5 minutes until most of the liquid has absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Bread Base: Butter both sides of each white bread slice then cut the slices into cubes. Place the bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the seasoned taco meat over the bread, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, and salt until smooth. Stir in the entire can of undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and discard the cover. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight to allow for the bread to absorb the egg mixture thoroughly, which will result in a moist and flavorful dish.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute white bread with whole wheat bread for a healthier twist.
- If you want extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave for convenient breakfasts throughout the week.
