Brunch Beef Strata

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 cups milk
• 5 large eggs
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 cups crustless bread cubes (3/4-inch)
• 2 cups shredded Asiago or fontina cheese
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
• Thinly sliced fresh basil