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This simple beef and broccoli casserole packs a ton of flavor all by simply tossing seasoned ground beef with steamed broccoli florets and a mix of cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. It will become an instant comfort food classic for your dinner table. Best of all, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a go-to recipe for family gatherings, fancy dinners, or a potluck crowd-pleaser – this beef and broccoli casserole is the answer to your meal dilemma.
It’s simple to make yet delivers a delicious and satisfying dinner. But just because this wholesome meal is simple doesn’t mean it’s sacrificing flavor. In fact, it’s boasting with mouthwatering textures from the gooey cheese and robust flavor in Italian seasonings.
Casseroles like Philly cheesesteak casserole and green bean hamburger casserole are a big deal in my home. They are an essential part of my weekly meal prep.
This healthy hamburger broccoli casserole won’t disappoint. It is a great staple recipe that every home cook should have in their recipe collection, especially when that 5 o’clock panic rolls around.
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Broccoli Casserole
- Simple ingredients – Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like broccoli, ground beef, cheeses, and a few flavorful seasonings, this recipe is all about the beauty of simplicity.
- Short prep and cooking time – This recipe comes together in a snap with only 10 minutes of active time and 20 minutes in the oven.
- Amazing flavors – Hearty meat, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese blend mouthwatering flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved – This casserole dish is a surefire way to please (and satisfy!) even the pickiest eaters.
- Easy-to-follow directions – It’s a breeze to make this with simple step-by-step instructions, ensuring even beginner cooks will nail this.
How to Make Ground Beef Broccoli Casserole
With two leading players, beef and broccoli, this simple casserole delivers mouthwatering flavors. The seasonings jazz up beef and broccoli and then bake together with three different cheeses for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients You Need
- Broccoli – Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and flavor. You’ll need trimmed and cut broccoli florets for this recipe. Use fresh or frozen.
- Ground beef – The primary protein source, making this casserole dish hearty and savory. It also adds a satisfying texture that complements the smooth texture of broccoli and cheeses.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of various herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses the ground beef with rich and aromatic flavors.
- Garlic powder – Adds a mild garlic taste without the overpowering flavor of fresh garlic.
- Salt and black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty, and savory flavor to the casserole and contributes to the creamy texture when melted.
- Cream cheese – Adds luscious richness to the bake and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Mozzarella cheese – Offers gooey, stretchy, and melty goodness. It’s used in the casserole and on top to create a golden-brown crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
Even though this is such a simple recipe, you might need one of the key ingredients. Review the recommendations here for quick and clever substitutions.
Here are suggested substitutions:
- Not a fan of broccoli? Substitute it with cauliflower florets for a similar texture.
- Use another ground meat – Swap out the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer a different protein source. You can even opt for Italian sausage instead.
- Seasonings – While this recipe calls for Italian seasoning, feel free to use what you have on hand. Ranch seasoning would be absolutely delicious here, too.
- Try different cheeses – While I wouldn’t recommend swapping out the cream cheese unless necessary (it won’t be as creamy), you can use other cheeses instead of Parmesan and mozzarella. Try Swiss, cheddar, or Colby cheese.
Variations
Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful renditions.
Try these hamburger broccoli casserole variations:
- Mediterranean flavors – Use ground lamb or turkey and add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the filling.
- Creamy spinach – Add spinach to the ground beef and wilt it gently.
- Buffalo chicken casserole – Use ground chicken and add buffalo sauce to the dish. Top with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking.
What Diet Is This Best For?
As written in the recipe card, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb, low-oxalate, and low-fiber. If you have additional dietary needs, consider the following modifications.
This recipe is nut-free, grain-free, egg-free, nightshade-free, phytate-free, and low in histamine.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This beef and broccoli casserole comes together in 30 minutes. You can cut down on time even more if the broccoli is already trimmed and cut into florets.
Follow these simple directions, and you can’t go wrong!
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and steam the broccoli for five to seven minutes, until bright green and tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat in an even layer, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Remove the meat from heat and mix in the broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until well combined. Fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown on top.
- Allow the broccoli casserole to rest for at least five minutes before garnishing with optional chili pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Taste and adjust! I recommend tasting the ground beef before adding the broccoli and cheese so you can adjust the seasoning as you like best.
- Don’t overcook broccoli. Steam broccoli just until it has a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture. Remove from the pot as soon as it’s cooked to avoid mushy broccoli.
- Drain beef if desired. If your ground beef is too greasy after cooking, feel free to drain the excess fat.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese. It will fold in and incorporate into the mixture more easily if it’s slightly softened.
- Let the dish rest first. After baking, let the beef broccoli casserole rest for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
Nutritional Info
This recipe yields six servings of beef and broccoli casserole.
Per serving:
- 335 calories
- 26 g protein
- 23 g fat
- 7 g total carbs
- 2 g fiber
- 5 g net carbs
Please note that the nutritional value will change if you substitute ingredients. Use a nutrition app to recalculate and reflect your changes.
How to Store this Recipe
Leftover beef and broccoli casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Transfer a single serving into a small saucepan to reheat leftovers and add a splash of water or broth. Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole, covered with foil to trap heat and avoid burning the top, in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Can I make beef and broccoli casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the casserole, but don’t bake it and store it in the refrigerator covered for up to three days. Then, when ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature first. Then bake and serve immediately.
Can I freeze ground beef casserole recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole, but because of the dairy, the texture may change after freezing and thawing. To freeze, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What to Serve with Keto Beef and Broccoli Casserole
This versatile casserole wonderfully pairs with a range of side dishes and salads. You can serve it with a simple green salad or keto coleslaw to add crunch and flavor to the plate. Make a batch of keto drop biscuits to add a satisfying touch.
And finish the meal with a keto dessert like easy vanilla cupcake or gooey butter cake.
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes To Try
If you make this hamburger meat casserole recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!
Cheesy Ground Beef Broccoli Casserole
This beef and broccoli casserole is a flavor powerhouse. It blends seasoned ground beef with steamed broccoli and a trio of cheeses: cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Not only is it comfort food at its best, but you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes. Ideal for those hectic weeknight dinners!
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat the oven to 375 F.
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Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and steam the broccoli for five to seven minutes until bright green and tender.
1 pound broccoli
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Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat in an even layer, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
1 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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Remove from heat once cooked and mix in the broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until well combined. Fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese
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Transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown on top.
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Let rest for at least five minutes before garnishing with optional chili pepper flakes and serving warm.
½ teaspoon crushed chili pepper flakes
- Taste and adjust! I recommend tasting the ground beef before adding the broccoli and cheese so you can adjust the seasoning as you like best.
- Don’t overcook broccoli. Steam broccoli just until it has a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture. Remove from the pot as soon as it’s cooked to avoid mushy broccoli.
- Drain beef if desired. If your ground beef is too greasy after cooking, feel free to drain the excess fat.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese. It will fold in and incorporate into the mixture more easily if it’s slightly softened.
- Let the dish rest first. After baking, let the beef broccoli casserole rest for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
Serve: This casserole dish pairs well with a light side salad or side dish. It also goes great with keto biscuits to absorb any cheesy juices.
Store: Leftover beef and broccoli casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat leftovers, transfer an single serving into a small saucepan and add a splash of water or broth. Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 26gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 591mgFiber: 2gNet Carbohydrates: 5g
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
