When it comes to breakfast, there’s no better way to begin your day than with a comforting, hearty Breakfast Casserole. This dish combines all the best breakfast ingredients into one easy-to-make, delicious casserole. With sausage, beef, eggs, and creamy layers of cheese and sour cream, this casserole is filling, flavorful, and the perfect way to fuel up in the morning.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making this Breakfast Casserole, and by the end, you’ll be equipped with all the tips and tricks to make it perfect every time. Let’s dive in and explore why this casserole should be your new go-to breakfast recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

This Breakfast Casserole is perfect for many occasions—whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just prepping for a busy week. Here are a few reasons why this casserole is a favorite:

Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from sausage, beef, and eggs, this casserole will keep you full all morning.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the meat or add vegetables to make it your own.
Easy to Prepare: With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, homemade breakfast ready to bake.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

So, whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a busy week ahead, this Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Best Breakfast Casserole

Before you get started, gather these ingredients for your Breakfast Casserole:

1 tablespoon salted butter (for greasing the pan)
1 teaspoon bacon grease or beef tallow (for cooking the sausage and beef)
1 pound bulk sausage (plain or lightly seasoned for a carnivore-friendly option)
1 pound ground beef
2½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided (to season the meats and eggs)
12 large eggs
1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
1 cup sour cream

These simple ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful casserole that’s easy to make and full of satisfying proteins and creamy textures.

Special Ingredient Notes

Sausage and Beef Options: Choose the type of sausage and beef that works best for your diet or flavor preferences. For a carnivore-friendly breakfast, opt for plain or lightly seasoned sausage. If you prefer more flavor, you can choose a spicier sausage.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is essential for adding a smooth, creamy texture to the casserole. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature before mixing it with the sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of salted butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of bacon grease or beef tallow over medium heat. Add the sausage and ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to break up the meat into small pieces. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Once the meats are cooked through, stir in 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. This will help to season the meat and bring out its natural flavors. Set the skillet aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 4: Whisk the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk the 12 large eggs along with the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. This step ensures the eggs are fully mixed and ready to be poured over the meat later in the recipe.

Step 5: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

In a separate small bowl, soften the block of cream cheese and mix it with the sour cream until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will add a creamy richness to the casserole and balance the savory flavors of the sausage and beef.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by layering the cooked sausage and beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, pour the egg mixture over the meat. Finally, dollop the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the top of the eggs and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. The eggs should be fully cooked, and the cream cheese should have melted into a creamy layer.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut into slices and serve.

Tips for Perfect Breakfast Casserole Every Time

While this Breakfast Casserole is simple to make, here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly each time:

Use a Heavy-Duty Skillet: For even cooking, use a heavy-duty skillet when browning the sausage and beef. This helps distribute the heat evenly.
Let the Cream Cheese Soften: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing with the sour cream. This will make it easier to blend and create a smoother texture.
Customize Your Meat: Feel free to swap out the sausage or ground beef for other meats like turkey, chicken, or even bacon. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or onions if you want to introduce some extra flavor.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast the next day.

Nutritional Information

This Breakfast Casserole is packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for a filling and nutritious breakfast. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (assuming 8 servings):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Since this casserole is low in carbs, it’s perfect for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, and it’s rich in healthy fats and proteins to keep you full and satisfied.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of savory, filling casseroles, here are a few more recipes that you might enjoy:

Sausage and Waffle Casserole – A deliciously savory twist on the classic breakfast dish, combining sausage and waffles for the perfect breakfast bake.
Million Dollar BBQ Bacon Cheese Dip – A smoky, cheesy dip that’s perfect for entertaining or serving alongside your favorite breakfast casserole.
Loaded Bacon Ranch Cheese Fry Casserole – A cheesy, bacon-packed casserole that’s sure to satisfy any breakfast lover.

FAQs About Breakfast Casserole

Q1: What to put in a breakfast casserole?
A breakfast casserole can include a variety of ingredients depending on your preferences. Commonly used ingredients include eggs, sausage, bacon, ground beef, cheese, and vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add potatoes, bread, or even waffles to create a more filling dish. Customize your casserole by adjusting the seasonings and adding your favorite ingredients!

Q2: What is the difference between quiche and egg casserole?
While both quiche and egg casserole feature eggs as a main ingredient, the key difference lies in their textures and crusts. A quiche typically has a flaky pie crust and is custard-like in texture, often filled with cheese, vegetables, and meats. An egg casserole, however, is a crustless dish and has a more solid, casserole-like texture. Egg casseroles are often layered with meats and cheese.

Q3: Can breakfast casseroles be made the night before?
Yes! Breakfast casseroles are ideal for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it in the oven. This makes breakfast quick and easy, especially for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a crowd.

Q4: Why is it called John Wayne casserole?
The “John Wayne Casserole” is believed to be named after the famous actor, John Wayne, known for his love of hearty, meat-based meals. This casserole typically includes a combination of ground beef, sausage, eggs, cheese, and sometimes peppers, reflecting the robust flavors associated with Western cuisine. It’s a filling, no-nonsense dish—just like the iconic actor himself!

Conclusion

This Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your day—filling, flavorful, and packed with protein. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of sausage, beef, eggs, and creamy toppings makes for a savory breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.

Try this Breakfast Casserole today, and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe: Easy & Delicious Morning Meal

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This savory Breakfast Casserole combines ground beef, sausage, eggs, and creamy cream cheese, creating a hearty, delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s an ideal option for busy mornings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon salted butter (for greasing)
1 teaspoon bacon grease or beef tallow (for cooking)
1 pound bulk sausage (plain or lightly seasoned)
1 pound ground beef
2½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
12 large eggs
1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese
1 cup sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cook sausage & beef: In a large skillet, heat bacon grease or beef tallow over medium heat. Add the sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Season the meat: Stir in 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and set aside.
Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
Mix cream cheese & sour cream: In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese and combine it with the sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked sausage and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the meat. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add shredded cheese or diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the casserole.
This dish can be prepped the night before. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as instructed.
For a lighter option, reduce the amount of sausage and use leaner ground beef or turkey.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, beef casserole, keto breakfast, hearty breakfast, egg casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, savory casserole, easy breakfast casserole.