Directions
Subtitle: A Delicious Blend of Flavors and Ingredients from Brazil
Description: This breakfast casserole is bursting with flavor and made using only the best ingredients, making it perfect for any morning meal! It is easy to prepare and comes packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients List:
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ cup finely chopped onion
– ¼ cup minced garlic
– ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
– ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ cup milk
– 1 large egg
– ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 (10 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained
– 1 (8 oz.) can Italian-style tomato sauce
– 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 loaf French bread, cubed
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a medium baking pan with foil. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned all around. Drain off excess grease. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat.
3. Whisk together the eggs and cheeses until combined. Pour the egg mixture into the beef mixture. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly onto the reserved baked pan. Top with the tomato paste. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely before assembling.
6. While the casserole cools, prepare the croutons. Heat the oil and butter in a small pot over low heat. When the oil starts shimmering, add the slices of bread. Toast the bread, turning once, until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the croutons to paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Assemble the casserole by layering half of the bread croutons, a third of the tomatoes, and a sixth of the casserole mixture. Repeat this process three more times, ending with the remaining casserole and croutons.
8. Return the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the center is heated through. Allow the casserole to stand for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Total Time Needed: Approximately 3 hours (including cool down and assembly time)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Note: Make sure to use non-stick spray when preparing the baking pan to prevent sticking. Also, you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities depending on your desired portion size.
Steps
1
Done
|
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a medium baking pan with foil. Set aside. |
2
Done
|
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned all around. Drain off excess grease. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat. |
3
Done
|
Whisk together the eggs and cheeses until combined. Pour the egg mixture into the beef mixture. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
4
Done
|
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly onto the reserved baked pan. Top with the tomato paste. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and season with salt and pepper. |
5
Done
|
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely before assembling. |
6
Done
|
While the casserole cools, prepare the croutons. Heat the oil and butter in a small pot over low heat. When the oil starts shimmering, add the slices of bread. Toast the bread, turning once, until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the croutons to paper towels to absorb any excess oil. |
7
Done
|
Assemble the casserole by layering half of the bread croutons, a third of the tomatoes, and a sixth of the casserole mixture. Repeat this process three more times, ending with the remaining casserole and croutons. |
8
Done
|
Return the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the center is heated through. Allow the casserole to stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. |