Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prepping. This recipe combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli, smothered in a creamy sauce, and topped with a layer of cheese for a satisfying, one-pan dinner. Whether you’re looking for a way to get more vegetables into your meals or need a filling dish that’s quick and easy, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through every aspect of making Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole, from ingredient selection to variations, tips for perfecting the recipe, and even meal planning ideas. Whether you’re new to casserole-making or you’re an experienced cook looking for a new family favorite, this dish will become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

• Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish is as healthy as it is satisfying.
• One-Pan Meal: Save time and energy with minimal cleanup by making this all-in-one casserole.
• Customizable: You can tweak the flavors, ingredients, and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy nature of the casserole makes it a favorite among children who may not always love vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Making a casserole may sound complicated, but it’s a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by prepping the broccoli.

• Wash and Cut the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained before using it.

• Blanch the Broccoli: While the casserole can be made with raw broccoli, blanching it before baking ensures that it cooks evenly and retains a bright green color. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add the broccoli florets. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

• Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

• Season the Beef: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

• Combine Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and mayonnaise together. This creamy combination will form the base of the casserole sauce.

• Mix the Beef with the Sauce: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl with sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir to combine thoroughly.

• Add the Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or mozzarella). Reserve some cheese for topping if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Combine Beef and Broccoli: In a large casserole dish, layer the blanched broccoli and spread the beef mixture on top. Make sure the beef and sauce evenly cover the broccoli.

• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole. If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for a crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

• Optional Broil: If you want a crispy golden top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Let it Cool and Serve

• Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: If you prefer a leaner version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. However, ground beef provides more flavor and richness, especially when combined with creamy ingredients.

• Blanch the Broccoli: This step may seem optional, but blanching the broccoli ensures it cooks evenly and avoids being too crunchy when baking in the casserole.

• Customize the Cheese: For more flavor, try using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. A sharp cheddar will give the casserole a richer taste, while mozzarella offers a gooey texture.

• Add Extra Vegetables: To boost the nutrition of your casserole, try adding additional vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers. These can be mixed into the casserole or layered on top.

• Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

• Make Ahead and Freeze: This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Variations of Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

1. Ground Turkey and Broccoli Casserole: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey. This variation has a lighter flavor but still provides a good amount of protein.

2. Keto-Friendly Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole: To make a keto-friendly version, replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt. Skip the breadcrumbs for a low-carb dish.

3. Vegetarian Broccoli Casserole: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also make a creamy cheese sauce using plant-based cheese and plant-based sour cream.

4. Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole with Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer a more filling casserole, top the beef and broccoli mixture with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes instead of cheese. This creates a shepherd’s pie-style dish that’s extra hearty.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is an easy, satisfying meal that combines savory beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce in one simple dish. This casserole is not only delicious but also highly customizable, allowing you to add extra vegetables, change the seasonings, or swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or looking for a comfort food favorite, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of preparation that comes with this casserole—it’s a meal the whole family will love!

Yield: 6

Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and simple dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prepping. This recipe combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli, smothered in a creamy sauce, and topped with a layer of cheese for a satisfying, one-pan dinner. Whether you're looking for a way to get more vegetables into your meals or need a filling dish that's quick and easy, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or similar size.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return it to the skillet.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Prepare Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender (about 3-4 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain any excess water. You can also cook the broccoli in the microwave for about 2 minutes until heated through.
5. Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the beef mixture, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Assemble Casserole: Add the broccoli to the mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Topping (Optional): If using, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden topping.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. If using breadcrumbs, bake for an additional 5 minutes to get the topping crispy.
9. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Meat Options: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ground sausage can also be used for more flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a more colorful casserole.
• Cheese Options: In addition to cheddar, you can use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake when ready.