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Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole for Dinner

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This simple ground 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 minutesโ€”perfect for those busy weeknights.

A casserole dish with a wooden spoon, featuring a mixture of cooked ground meat, broccoli, and melted cheese. A small bowl of red pepper flakes is in the background.

Whether youโ€™re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a go-to recipe for family gatherings, fancy dinners, or a potluck crowd-pleaser โ€“ this beef and broccoli casserole is the answer to your meal dilemma.

Itโ€™s simple to make yet delivers a delicious and satisfying dinner. But just because this wholesome meal is simple doesnโ€™t mean itโ€™s sacrificing flavor. This dish boasts 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 wonโ€™t disappoint. It is a great staple recipe that every home cook should have in their recipe collection, especially when that 5 oโ€™clock panic rolls around.

A serving of a mixed vegetable and meat casserole is being placed on a white plate from a baking dish using a spoon.

Why Youโ€™ll Love Ground Beef and 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. Great way to get the kids to eat their veggies, too!
  • Easy-to-follow directions: Itโ€™s a breeze to make this ground beef and broccoli casserole 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 bake together with three different cheeses for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for a recipe arranged on a countertop: chili pepper flakes, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ground beef, and broccoli.

Ingredients You Need

  • Broccoli: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and flavor. Youโ€™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. Go for an 80/20 lean ground beef blend for the best balance of meaty and juicy. 
  • 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. Itโ€™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 for your homemade ground beef and broccoli casserole.

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.
  • Add more aromatics. Bump the flavors by mixing finely chopped yellow or green onions and minced fresh ginger.
  • Use 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 wouldnโ€™t recommend swapping out the cream cheese unless necessary (it wonโ€™t be as creamy), you can sprinkle in other cheeses like Swiss, Colby, or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan and mozzarella.
A gray baking dish contains a freshly baked casserole topped with shredded cheese and red pepper flakes, sitting on a blue and white polka dot cloth. A wooden spoon and a small dish are beside it.

Variations

Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful renditions.

Try these ground beef and 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.

This recipe is nut-free, grain-free, egg-free, nightshade-free, phytate-free, and low in histamine.

Step-By-Step Instructions

This ground 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 canโ€™t go wrong!

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
  2. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and steam the broccoli for five to seven minutes, until bright green and tender.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Transfer to an 8ร—8-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown on top.
  6. Allow the broccoli casserole to rest for at least five minutes before garnishing with optional chili pepper flakes. Serve warm.

How to Store This Recipe

Leftover ground 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 Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the casserole, but donโ€™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 and Broccoli Casserole?

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 Hamburger 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 ground beef and broccoli casserole recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!

A casserole dish with a wooden spoon, featuring a mixture of cooked ground meat, broccoli, and melted cheese. A small bowl of red pepper flakes is in the background.

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!
4.93 from 67 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 335 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 ยฐF.
  • Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender.
    1 pound broccoli
  • 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, ยฝ teaspoon salt, ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 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.
    ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 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.
  • Let rest for at least 5 minutes before garnishing with optional chili pepper flakes and serving warm.
    ยฝ teaspoon crushed chili pepper flakes

Video

Notes

  • 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.ย 
  • 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.ย 
  • Drain beef if desired. If your ground beef is too greasy after cooking, feel free to drain the excess fat.ย 
  • Use room-temperature cream cheese. It will fold in and incorporate into the mixture more easily if it’s slightly softened.ย 
  • 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.ย 
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.ย 

Nutrition & Macros

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.

Tried this recipe?Please leave a review and share with me!

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21 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I tried the Ground Beef & Broccoli casserole last night and it was outstanding. The flavoring was superb and wanting more. I’m only one person so I cut the recipe in half and I also added a little beef broth to it. It baked up beautifully and I ate the whole thing. I had to have more so tonight I made it with cauliflower and just a little more cream cheese and broth. I can’t wait for it to come out of the oven. I hope I’m able to have some leftovers. GREAT! I’m going to cook more recipes from your sight.

    1. That’s amazing, Canda! I appreciate the very warm feedback. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for giving the recipe a try.

  2. 5 stars
    I totally related to this recipe as a newbie in the keto way of cooking. I struggle with finding quick go-to-meals but this recipe has helped! With just a handful of basic ingredients and a few flavorful seasonings I made a meal that tastes amazing and is healthy.

  3. 5 stars
    I just love how forgiving and versatile this recipe is. My daughter loves beef, broccoli and cheese so she was in heaven eating this for dinner last night.

  4. 5 stars
    Thank you for a broccoli casserole with ground beef instead of the usual chicken! Sometimes I just don’t have chicken on hand. I appreciate it!

  5. 5 stars
    You always have the perfect touch on all of these seemingly simple recipes…the red pepper flakes on this dish just made it ๐Ÿ˜‰

  6. 5 stars
    This beef broccoli casserole was a delicious addition to our dinner table. The kids enjoyed it. I think itโ€™s a tasty way to incorporate more veggies to our diet. Yum.

  7. 5 stars
    I love easy breezy dinner casseroles like this! The fam gobbled it up in no time which is always a good sign. Great combination of flavors with the beef and broccoli. We will make this again!

4.93 from 67 votes (55 ratings without comment)

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