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!