Recipe: Spicy Beef Chorizo Breakfast Strata with Homemade Chorizo (make ahead)

SPICY BEEF CHORIZO BREAKFAST STRATA



1 recipe Chorizo-Style Beef Sausage (recipe follows)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
6 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups skim milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups day-old French bread cubes (1-inch)
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat or regular shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided use
TOPPINGS (optional):
Salsa, chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, dairy sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare Chorizo-Style Beef Sausage. Stir in bell pepper and spinach; set aside.

Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in large bowl until blended. Stir in bread and 1 cup cheese. Stir in beef mixture.

Pour beef mixture into prepared dish. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil; bake in 350 degrees F oven 40 minutes.

Remove foil; continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with Toppings, if desired.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
Beef and egg mixture can be prepared ahead of time. Pour into prepared pan and top with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight. Increase baking time to 50 minutes before removing the aluminum foil.

CHORIZO-STYLE BEEF SAUSAGE

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 to 3 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all the 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 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Drain fat, if needed.

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

Makes 6 servings
Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association