🥘 Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Table of Contents: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Table of Contents: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

A Classic Comfort Dish Reimagined

Few dishes feel as homey and satisfying as a Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole. It’s the perfect comfort food — hearty, creamy, and brimming with wholesome goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals ahead for the week, this one-pan wonder delivers warmth, flavor, and nutrition in every bite.

Think of it as comfort food made smarter: loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and melty cheese that ties everything together. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and beginner-friendly, so even first-time home cooks can nail it.

Casseroles have long been a cornerstone of American home cooking. They bring together humble ingredients into something more than the sum of its parts. The Smithsonian Magazine’s history of casseroles offers a fascinating look into how these baked dishes evolved from frugality into modern comfort food classics.

And before you brown your beef, make sure to review the USDA’s official ground beef handling and safety guide. Following these simple tips ensures every meal is both delicious and safe.

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🥦 Why Everyone Loves This Casserole

The Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is beloved for good reason — it checks every box:

• Flavor-packed: Savory ground beef, tender broccoli florets, and cheese baked together for a mouthwatering combo.
• Nutritious and filling: High in protein, calcium, and fiber.
• Simple to prepare: One pan, minimal cleanup, and ready in under an hour.
• Flexible: Works with different diets — keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or family-style.
• Perfectly balanced: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty without feeling too heavy.

If cozy casseroles are your thing, you’ll also enjoy the French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole — a slightly more indulgent version with caramelized onion sweetness and rice for extra heartiness.

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🍳 Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great dish starts with simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole:

🧂 Base Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 2 cups broccoli florets — fresh or frozen
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

🌾 Optional Add-Ins for Customization

• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta for a heartier casserole
• 1 tsp chili flakes or smoked paprika for spice
• ½ cup mushrooms for extra umami
• 1 tbsp soy sauce for a savory kick
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version

If you love versatile, wholesome dinners, check out this flavorful twist — Healthy Korean Ground Beef with Vegetables. It’s quick, healthy, and keeps well for meal prep.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• If using fresh broccoli, steam it for 2–3 minutes until it turns vibrant green but remains crisp.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet:

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
4. Drain excess grease once fully cooked.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• Stir in the cream soup and sour cream.
• Add your seasoning — salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Mix well until creamy and uniform.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Spread half of the beef mixture in the baking dish.
2. Layer broccoli florets evenly on top.
3. Add remaining beef mixture.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set.

For a similar cozy meal, you might also love the Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole, a creamy combination of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce that’s ideal for family dinners.

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💡 Expert Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook broccoli — it continues to soften while baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged; it melts better.
• Drain the beef grease well for a cleaner texture.
• Add breadcrumbs or crispy onions for a crunchy top layer.
• Let it rest before slicing to hold its shape.

Serve it alongside a light salad like the Fall Harvest Bowl Recipe with Chicken to balance the richness.

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🌶️ Creative Variations and Add-Ons

This casserole is endlessly adaptable. Try one of these fun versions next time:

🥑 Keto-Friendly Version

• Replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice.
• Use full-fat cheese and sour cream.

🍝 Family-Style Rice Bake

• Stir in cooked brown rice or quinoa before baking.
• Add extra cheese for a gooey texture.

🔥 Spicy Southwest Twist

• Mix in green chilies or jalapeños.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

🍛 Asian Fusion

• Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for an umami-rich variation.

If fusion cooking is your jam, check out the Hot Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Ground Beef and Avocado. It’s bold, spicy, and comforting — just like this casserole.

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🧘 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	630 kcal
Protein	40g
Fat	46g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	~1000mg

Healthier Tips

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and boost protein.
• Use lean ground beef (90% or higher).
• Load up on broccoli for extra vitamins A and C.
• Choose low-sodium soup to cut down on salt.

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❄️ Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a bit of milk or cheese before reheating to restore creaminess.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unseasoned beef: Always season while cooking to build flavor.
2. Skipping pre-cooking the broccoli: Raw florets release water and make it soggy.
3. Overbaking: It can dry out the sauce and harden the cheese.
4. Not resting after baking: Cooling helps it firm up for cleaner servings.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
• Crisp Caesar salad or green salad
• Roasted carrots, asparagus, or brussels sprouts
• A bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or vegetable

For brunch lovers, the Easy Breakfast Casserole is another one-pan winner that’s equally comforting.

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🏡 Meal Prep & Freezer Meal Option

This dish is a meal prep dream. Assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge.

Want more freezer-friendly ideas? Try the Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole, a lighter but equally delicious make-ahead option.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it before layering.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap in vegan cheese and plant-based sour cream.

Q3: Can I skip canned soup?
Yes! Use a homemade base of milk, butter, and flour.

Q4: Can I substitute beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner option.

Q5: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours.

Q6: What sides pair best?
Try it with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a simple salad.

Q7: How long can it sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature — refrigerate promptly.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

The Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole isn’t just another weeknight recipe — it’s comfort, tradition, and flavor rolled into one. Each layer — from the juicy beef to the vibrant broccoli and creamy cheese sauce — creates a harmony that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

This is the kind of dish that brings families together around the table. It’s hearty yet balanced, simple yet satisfying — proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated.

Once you’ve mastered this version, explore its cousins like the Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole or the French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole. Together, these dishes form a trifecta of delicious, family-friendly dinners that will never go out of style.

So grab your casserole dish, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a classic reborn — rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting.

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