Start by chopping your onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and slicing the beef into thin strips. I always like to prep everything before heating the skillet so I can cook quickly and evenly. Fresh vegetables make a big difference in taste and texture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and peppers until soft, then add the beef until browned. Adding garlic at the end gives a fresh punch, and seasoning with salt and pepper here is crucial for deep flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This mixture will soak into the bread cubes and hold the casserole together. I always taste it lightly here to make sure the seasoning is balanced.
Layer half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, followed by half of the cooked beef and vegetables, and then a layer of provolone and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Press gently so everything is submerged.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. I usually check with a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.