Best Crack Breakfast Casserole

If there’s one dish that has the power to impress family or guests at any brunch gathering, it’s the Best Crack Breakfast Casserole. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy Sunday morning, and after making it myself, I understood why it’s so adored. With layers of flavor-packed ingredients like ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and hearty hash browns, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of breakfast! Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping in advance for busy mornings, this comforting dish never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What’s not to love about a dish that combines all your breakfast favorites into one delectable casserole? The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole is a showstopper for several reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for those chaotic weekends when you want something substantial without the fuss. It’s also budget-friendly! The combination of affordable ingredients makes it ideal for families or meal-prepping, ensuring you never have to sacrifice flavor for cost.

This comfort food is also versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because it’s Saturday, this casserole fits the bill. Don’t just take my word for it—the last time I made it, my neighbor exclaimed, “This is the best breakfast I’ve ever had!”

Preparing Best Crack Breakfast Casserole

Before diving into the ingredients, let’s review the simple process of how this delightful casserole comes together. You’ll start by cooking the ground beef and bacon until they’re crispy and flavorful. Meanwhile, you’ll whip up a creamy, delicious mixture of cheeses, eggs, and seasonings. Next, you’ll layer the thawed hash browns, meat, and that rich egg mixture in a baking dish. After a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a golden, puffed casserole that’s begging to be sliced and served.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items to Create Your Breakfast Masterpiece:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
• 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pro Tip: You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or sausage, or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter version.

Directions to Follow

1. Cook the Meats: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and bacon until browned and crispy. Drain excess grease once cooked.

2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well combined.

3. Prepare the Eggs: In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gradually pour the eggs into the creamy mixture, folding in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Layer the Hash Browns: Spread the thawed and drained hash browns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Crumble half of the cooked ground beef and half of the bacon over the hash browns.

5. Combine and Layer: Pour the creamy egg mixture over the hash browns and meat layers. Sprinkle the remaining ground beef and bacon on top. Finish with the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Bake the Casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until set, puffed, and golden brown.

7. Let It Rest: Allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Wondering how to serve this showstopper? The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, and a side of fluffy pancakes or waffles makes for a delightful brunch spread. You could also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick, or a dollop of avocado or guacamole for a creamy contrast.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing leftovers is a breeze! Once cooled, transfer your casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it beyond that, consider freezing it. Make sure to slice it into portions before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you crave it!

To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through, or savor it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Pro Chef Tips

• Cheesy Perfection: For an extra cheesy finish, consider adding additional cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Spice It Up: Want to add a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the meat mixture.
• Egg Substitutes: If you’re running low on eggs, consider a flaxseed meal mixture as a binding agent.

Recipe Variations

This casserole is a blank canvas; feel free to put your spin on it! You could swap the ranch seasoning for taco seasoning for a Mexican twist, or add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version. Additionally, experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a Mediterranean flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare this casserole?

The active prep time is about 20-30 minutes, with an additional baking time of 45 to 55 minutes.

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh shredded potatoes can be used, just be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just slice it up, wrap each slice, and freeze. Reheating is easy and convenient.

Enjoy creating this delightful casserole that combines comfort and flavor into every bite! It might just become a staple in your breakfast rotation, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!

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