Crock-Pot Brunch Casserole
A hearty crock-pot brunch casserole combining savory ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, and eggs, perfect for feeding a family or weekend brunch with rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil or butter ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 6 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 c. milk, scalded ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, lightly brown ground beef and chopped onion in olive oil; drain well.
- Place the cooked mixture in a well-greased crock-pot.
- Stir in remaining ingredients except eggs, milk, and cheese until well blended.
- Beat eggs and milk together until combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the other ingredients in the crock-pot; stir well and dust with additional nutmeg.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 7 to 9 hours or until firm.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, along with sautéed bell peppers for a colorful twist. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked frozen spinach and canned mushrooms. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a bit of heat. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, topped with freshly grated cheese for a delicious finish. Pair it with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. This brunch casserole is perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed alongside other classic American recipes like Jambalya or Corned Beef Potato Salad, making it a versatile addition to your brunch table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Brunch Casserole contains roughly 825 calories, with 23g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (50% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1518mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the crock-pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply cook it on low for the recommended time. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to make this dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using a different meat to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté them briefly to reduce moisture before adding them to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).