Courtesy: Beef What’s for Dinner

This crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole made with Ground Beef, mushrooms and onions can be prepared the night before so the morning is relaxed and easy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 cups milk
• 5 large eggs
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 cups crustless bread cubes (3/4-inch)
• 2 cups shredded Asiago or fontina cheese
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
• Thinly sliced fresh basil

COOKING:

1. 1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside. Pour off drippings from skillet.

1. 1. Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms and onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Return beef to skillet. Add thyme; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Set aside.
   2. Whisk milk, eggs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl until blended.
   3. Spray 2-1/2 to 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer half of the bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and half of the beef mixture in dish. Pour half of the egg mixture over the top. Top with remaining bread cubes, 1/2 cup of the cheese and remaining beef and egg mixtures. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Press any dry bread cubes into egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil; refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake strata, covered, 55 minutes. Remove foil. Bake, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with tomatoes and basil, as desired.