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Cheesy baked ground meat and egg casserole is a versatile, hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This recipe combines the savory flavors of lean ground meat with creamy eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic shallots. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week.

The dish starts with sautéed shallots and garlic powder, giving the ground meat a delicious base. The eggs are whipped with heavy cream to create a fluffy, rich texture that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. You can garnish the casserole with parsley for an extra touch of freshness, but it’s optional. This casserole is ideal for serving on its own or alongside a simple salad, toast, or roasted vegetables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Lean ground meat: 450g (1 lb)

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Shallot: 1 medium, finely chopped
Eggs: 8 large

Heavy cream: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: To taste

Black pepper: To taste
Cheddar cheese: 170g (6 oz), shredded
Parsley: Fresh, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with a little olive oil or butter. This will ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

Sauté the shallots: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped shallot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shallots are softened and translucent.
Brown the ground meat: Add 450g of lean ground meat to the skillet with the sautéed shallots. Break the meat up with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the meat cooks evenly and breaks into small crumbles.

Season the meat: Once the meat is browned, season it with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir the seasonings into the meat to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
Remove from heat: When the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Whisk the eggs and cream: In a large mixing bowl, crack 8 large eggs. Add 60 ml (1/4 cup) of heavy cream and whisk together until the eggs and cream are well combined. The cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the casserole.

Season the eggs: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the egg mixture, then whisk again to blend the seasonings evenly throughout the eggs.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the meat: In the greased baking dish, spread the cooked ground meat in an even layer across the bottom.
Pour the egg mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg and cream mixture over the ground meat, ensuring it spreads evenly across the dish.

Add the cheese: Sprinkle 170g (6 oz) of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a rich, golden layer during baking.
Garnish with parsley (optional): If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley over the cheese for a touch of color and freshness. This step is optional but adds a bright flavor contrast to the rich ingredients.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the dish—if the eggs no longer jiggle and the top is golden brown, the casserole is ready.

Cool slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Step 6: Serve

Slice and serve: Cut the casserole into squares or slices and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or toast for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Cooking Tips

Customize the meat: Feel free to use any type of lean ground meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. For a richer flavor, you can even use a mix of meats like beef and pork.

Add vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole. Simply cook the vegetables along with the meat or separately, and layer them with the ground meat before adding the egg mixture.
Cheese variations: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Mixing different cheeses is also a great way to enhance the flavor profile.
Meal prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Bake it ahead of time, slice it into portions, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a quick, satisfying meal.

Make it lighter: For a lighter version of this casserole, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute some of the eggs with egg whites to reduce the fat content.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g

Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 1 g

Sodium: 550 mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 12% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe and can make the casserole leaner. Just be mindful of the cooking time since these meats tend to cook faster than beef or pork.
What other cheeses can I use?
- You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a milder flavor. Sharp cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyere can add a more intense flavor. You can also mix different cheeses to suit your taste.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole and reheat it when ready to serve.

How can I make the casserole lower in calories?
- For a lighter version, use leaner ground meat like turkey or chicken. Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and consider using reduced-fat cheese.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the casserole for added nutrition. Just cook the vegetables before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Conclusion

This cheesy baked ground meat and egg casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any time of day. It’s packed with protein, thanks to the combination of lean ground meat, eggs, and cheddar cheese, making it a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

With its rich, cheesy top and savory meat base, this casserole is a hit for family meals or meal prepping. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays. Try this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!