Nothing brings a family together quite like a warm, homemade casserole. If you’re looking for a nutritious, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish, this hearty ground beef and broccoli casserole is a perfect choice. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and rich, melty cheese, this recipe is not only delicious but also wholesome.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or a meal-prep option for the week, this low-carb, high-protein casserole will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this comforting family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Simple & Quick – Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Nutritious & Balanced – Includes protein-rich ground beef, fiber-filled broccoli, and calcium-packed cheese.
- One-Dish Meal – Fewer dishes to clean, making cooking and cleanup effortless.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the ingredients to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this hearty ground beef and broccoli casserole, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Tomato sauce | 14-ounce can |
| Broccoli florets (small) | 6 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1.75 cups |
| Finely grated parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 1 large stalk |
Seasonings & Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Table salt | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cayenne | 1/4 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the extra lean ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking.
- Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the tomato sauce into the cooked beef.
- Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Prepare the Broccoli
- While the beef simmers, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
5. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
✔ Cooked ground beef with tomato sauce
✔ Steamed broccoli florets
✔ Finely chopped celery
✔ 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
✔ Table salt, garlic powder, and cayenne
Stir everything thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pour the beef and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 0.75 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove once the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Let It Rest & Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Dish out portions and enjoy the delicious blend of cheesy, meaty, and veggie goodness!
Tips for the Best Casserole
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh broccoli and high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Keeping it slightly crisp prevents it from turning mushy.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Increase or decrease the cayenne based on your spice preference.
✔ Add More Texture – Consider topping with panko breadcrumbs for a slight crunch.
✔ Let It Rest – Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes makes serving easier.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fats | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Calcium | ~200mg |
This low-carb, protein-rich meal is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious yet indulgent dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Make It Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
- Replace tomato sauce with sugar-free marinara.
- Reduce the cheddar cheese to 1 cup to lower the carb content.
2. Add More Protein
- Mix in cooked bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
3. Extra Veggies for More Nutrients
- Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture.
- Substitute cauliflower for some of the broccoli for variety.
4. Make It Creamy
- Add 1/2 cup of cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking.
- Stir in Greek yogurt for extra creaminess without added fat.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
2. How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?
- Drain excess liquid from the ground beef.
- Lightly pat dry the steamed broccoli before mixing.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it first to prevent excess moisture.
4. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
6. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! There are no gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe, making it perfect for a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This hearty ground beef and broccoli casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. It’s a family favorite, ideal for any occasion, and simple enough for a beginner cook.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and make this delicious dish today!
Print
Hearty Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite with Ingredients
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty ground beef and broccoli casserole is a comforting, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Made with lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is both delicious and nutritious. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite seasonings or add-ins. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, an easy weeknight dinner, or a make-ahead recipe, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups small broccoli florets
- 1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons table salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce to the skillet, stir well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp (3-4 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture, broccoli, celery, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier version, mix in ½ cup of cream cheese before baking.
- To add crunch, top with panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds before baking.
- For a low-carb/keto option, use sugar-free tomato sauce.
- Can be made ahead – store assembled (uncooked) in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly – freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American