Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Casserole

It was one of those Mondays. You know the kind—chaotic school drop-offs, work emails piling up, and by 4 PM, I still had no clue what was for dinner. I opened the fridge and spotted a pack of ground beef and some broccoli. My brain was tired, but my stomach was hopeful. So I did what any flavor-chasing mom would do: I improvised. And out came this Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Casserole.

It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t planned. But somehow, that first bite—creamy, meaty, with just enough green to feel balanced—felt like magic. The kind of comforting magic that comes out of a skillet and a bit of melted cheese. The best part? Everyone in the family cleaned their plates, even the picky toddler who’s been side-eyeing vegetables all week.

Since then, I’ve tested it, tweaked it, and found my favorite version—this one. It’s hearty, it’s keto-ish, it’s packed with flavor, and it doesn’t need any complicated steps or expensive ingredients. It’s now officially in our weekly rotation.

If your fridge only has basics and your brain is running on fumes, trust me: this casserole has your back.

Short Description

Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Casserole is a quick, low-carb, family-friendly dish made with ground beef, broccoli, cream cheese, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s creamy, satisfying, and baked until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese (half a standard block)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)

Seasonings

• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp complete seasoning (or substitute with garlic powder and onion powder)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• Optional: parsley and paprika for topping

Substitutions

• For a lighter option: use ground turkey instead of beef
• For dairy-free: use coconut cream and vegan cheese
• For low-sodium: use homemade or low-sodium beef broth

Tools Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Casserole dish (9×13 works well)
• Oven
• Kitchen shears (optional, for cutting broccoli)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7–8 minutes. Break the meat up as it cooks.

Step 2: Season generously
Add black pepper, salt, complete seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Drain the grease
Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Keep just enough to help blend the flavors.

Step 4: Melt in the cream cheese
Add cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until fully melted and mixed through. It should look creamy and thick at this point.

Step 5: Stir in cheeses
Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese (reserve the rest for topping). Stir until melted and gooey.

Step 6: Add liquid and broccoli
Pour in beef broth and heavy whipping cream. Stir well. Add broccoli florets and mix to combine. If needed, chop them into smaller pieces using kitchen shears.

Step 7: Let it simmer
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly soften the broccoli.

Step 8: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the mixture simmers.

Step 9: Assemble and top
Pour the entire mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add a sprinkle of parsley and paprika if desired.

Step 10: Bake to bubbly perfection
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges.

Step 11: Cool and serve
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It’ll firm up slightly and slice beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—under an hour from start to finish
• Low-carb and keto-friendly, but full of comfort
• A great way to use ground beef and leftover veggies
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
• Ultra-cheesy and cozy without being too heavy

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

Chop large broccoli florets into smaller pieces so they cook evenly. For a golden top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Always drain excess grease after cooking the beef to keep the dish from getting too oily.

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and bake it fresh. It also freezes well—just cool, portion, and wrap for later.

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Broccoli is rich in fiber and vitamin C, and it’s one of the best anti-inflammatory vegetables you can add to your plate.

Ground beef offers iron and protein, and when balanced with the creamy fats in this dish, it keeps you full and fueled. Plus, cheddar adds calcium and flavor.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

The casserole comes out golden and bubbling, with cheese stretching in every bite. The broccoli softens just enough, and the beef is juicy and rich with herbs.

Serve it alongside a crisp side salad or roasted cauliflower for a fully low-carb meal. Want to bulk it up? A side of garlic bread won’t hurt anyone.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave (2–3 minutes) or oven (350°F for 10–15 minutes).

To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating for a just-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it first and drain any excess moisture.

2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can try sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check your seasoning labels.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger casserole dish or two separate ones, and bake slightly longer if needed.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy hamburger broccoli casserole checks all the boxes for my kind of meal—easy, flexible, family-approved, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I come back to on busy days, knowing it’ll always deliver warmth to the table. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen. And if your picky eater asks what the green stuff is—just call it cheesy trees. Works every time.

Let me know in the comments how you like it, and don’t forget to pin it for later!