Recipe: Beef and Egg Breakfast Mugs with Homemade Sausage (make ahead, microwave)

BEEF AND EGG BREAKFAST MUGS
"Short on time? Our simple and quick Beef and Egg Breakfast Mugs are ready in less than five minutes and are great for on-the-go."



1 recipe Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage (recipe follows)
1 cup chopped fresh vegetables (such as tomato, baby spinach, bell pepper, zucchini or green onion)
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese (such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack or American)
8 large eggs
Salt and pepper (optional)
TOPPINGS (optional):
Dairy sour cream, salsa, sriracha, ketchup

Prepare Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage. Remove skillet from heat; let cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Evenly divide beef and vegetables into eight food-safe quart-size plastic bags. Close securely and refrigerate up to 4 days.

For each serving, spray one 6 to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Add 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water; whisk with fork. Stir in 1 bag refrigerated beef-vegetable mixture.

Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30 seconds. Remove from oven; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until egg is just set. Stir. Top with cheese. Let stand 30 seconds or until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with Toppings, if desired.

Makes 8 servings

BASIC COUNTRY BEEF BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Combine all ingredients for the sausage in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add beef mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

TACO SEASONING VARIATION:
Prepare beef for sausage as directed above, substituting 1 packet (1 ounce) reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix for herbs and seasonings in step 1.

TEST KITCHEN TIPS:
Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Makes 8 servings
Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association