Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food — creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. A cheesy blend of ground beef, tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked together into one satisfying meal. It’s quick, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 oz cream cheese (or 1/2 cup sour cream)
1/2 cup milk or cream
2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)

1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Beef:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft. Add ground beef and garlic; cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain any excess fat.
Prep Broccoli:
Steam broccoli until bright green and just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat cream cheese and milk over medium-low, stirring until smooth. Add 3/4 cup shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
Combine:
In a large bowl (or the skillet), mix beef, broccoli, rice or pasta (if using), and cheese sauce until well combined.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella (if using), and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if desired.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For low-carb, skip rice/pasta.
Swap proteins like turkey or sausage as needed.
Add heat with jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
For extra creaminess, stir in a can of condensed cream soup.

Can be prepped 24 hours ahead and baked when ready.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, broccoli bake, beef and broccoli casserole, easy weeknight dinner