Bruschetta Strata

Bruschetta Strata

This is a mix of favorite flavors and textures using garden fresh tomatoes in a cheesy casserole topped with toasted French bread. With a crisp green salad, this strata is hearty comfort food. 

2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick

1/2 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

8 slices French bread, ½ inch thick

1/2 teaspoon each basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 ½ tablespoons butter

1 ½ tablespoons flour

3/4 cup milk

8 ounces shredded Mozzarella or Colby Jack

In a skillet, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender.  Drain and set the meat mixture aside.  Toast the French bread slices.  Mist a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray and line the bottom with 4 slices of the toasted bread.  Top with the meat mixture and then the sliced tomatoes.  Combine the spices and sprinkle over the sliced tomatoes and drizzle the olive oil on top.  In a sauce pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour until smooth.  Gradually stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil.  Lower the heat and cook until the sauce is bubbly and starts to thicken (about 3 minutes).   Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in half of the cheese.  Pour the cheesy sauce over the strata of bread and meat and tomatoes.   Top with the remaining 4 toasted bread slices and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.  Bake the strata at 350 for 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.  Serves 4.