High-Protein Egg Strata with Ground Beef (No Cottage Cheese)

Name: High-Protein Egg Strata with Ground Beef (No Cottage Cheese)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 12 eggs; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese (sliced); 2 cups milk; 6 slices toasted bread; 1 onion (diced); 1 1/2 tablespoons dried sage; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided)

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Loaded with eggs, cheese, and ground beef, high-protein egg strata is a flavor-packed breakfast casserole you’ll make on repeat! It’s simple to make with nourishing ingredients and perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and more.

Quick Look at the Recipe

🍽️ Flavor: Rich, savory, and cheesy
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes (you can prep it up to 24 hours in advance)
🔥 Cook Time: 50 minutes
🕒 Ready In: 65 minutes
👥 Servings: 8 people
🥣 Main Ingredients: Eggs, ground beef, cheese, milk, toast
📋 Method: Bake at 325 degrees
❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
👩‍🍳 Tip: Dried herbs and spices give the ground beef a rich flavor reminiscent of sausage – no pork needed!

Woman smiling while standing in a sunny room.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

When my husband was growing up, egg strata was a Christmas morning tradition his whole family looked forward to. When I started making it myself, I swapped in simple, wholesome ingredients to make it fit our healthy, ancestral diet, and now I love it more!

It’s incredibly easy to make with basic kitchen staples and is always a crowd-pleaser (even my egg-hating toddler loves it!). It just might be one of the easiest ways to make breakfast feel both nourishing and special.

Ingredients

Eggs
Ground beef – You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or sausage instead.
Sharp cheddar cheese – Sliced. If you prefer, you can use another type of cheese instead. (Gruyère would be delicious!)
Milk
Toast – I used sprouted Ezekiel bread, but you can use your favorite type bread. Homemade sourdough toast would be incredible!

Tools Needed

9″ x 13″ baking dish

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Then brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet and season with spices and salt.

Step 2: While the beef is cooking, place the toast in the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.

Step 3: Next layer the cheese slices over the bread.

Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Then stir in the browned meat and onions.

Unbaked healthy egg strata in a baking dish

Step 5: Now pour the egg mixture into the baking dish over the bread and cheese.

Step 6: Finally bake the casserole for 50 minutes or until the eggs are fully set. Enjoy!

Chef’s Tip: If you have time, let it rest in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours before baking for a richer texture and deeper flavor.

Piece of healthy egg strata on a plate and in a casserole dish

For a grab-and-go version of this strata, check out my cheesy egg bites!

FAQs

Can I freeze egg strata?

Yes, this breakfast casserole freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. You can either freeze it in individual servings or freeze the entire casserole.

How do I store leftover egg strata?

Leftover egg strata can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the oven.

Can I make gluten-free egg strata?

Yes, to make this egg strata gluten-free, use store-bought or homemade gluten-free bread. Alternatively, you can make this casserole without any bread.

What’s the difference between egg strata and egg casserole?

Egg strata always has bread in it, however, egg casseroles may not.

If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome