Elevate your dinner game with a culinary symphony that combines the heartiness of ground beef, the freshness of broccoli, and the comfort of a casserole – introducing the Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole. This wholesome dish not only brings together familiar flavors but also offers a convenient one-dish solution for a satisfying family meal. From the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef to the crisp bite of broccoli, each layer contributes to a delightful ensemble of textures and tastes. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and unveil keto and low-carb versions. Let’s transform your dinner table into a haven of homestyle warmth with Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds (for keto version) or crushed pork rind alternatives (for low-carb version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preparing the Ground Beef and Broccoli Mixture:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Blanch the Broccoli: In a separate pot, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned ground beef mixture, blanched broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Creating the Creamy Sauce:
- Make a Roux: In the same skillet used for the ground beef, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version) and stir to create a roux.
- Gradually Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken or beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Sauce with Beef and Broccoli Mixture: Pour the creamy sauce over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture with the creamy sauce to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed pork rinds (or low-carb alternative), grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Cook Notes
- Blanching for Brightness: Blanching the broccoli before baking helps maintain its vibrant green color and ensures a crisp texture in the finished casserole.
- Crushed Pork Rinds Crunch: The crushed pork rinds in the topping not only add a satisfying crunch but also keep the dish keto-friendly.
- Almond Flour Substitute: For a low-carb version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in the creamy sauce to reduce the carb content.
Variations
1. Cheesy Deluxe:
Amp up the cheesiness by adding a layer of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese between the beef and broccoli mixture and the topping.
2. Mushroom Magic:
Introduce a savory twist by sautéing sliced mushrooms along with the ground beef and incorporating them into the casserole.
3. Cauliflower Companion:
For a lower-carb option, replace some or all of the broccoli with cauliflower florets.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour in the Sauce: Swap all-purpose flour in the creamy sauce with almond flour to maintain a keto-friendly profile.
- Pork Rinds Crunch: Embrace the delightful crunch of crushed pork rinds in the topping as a keto-friendly alternative to breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb Vegetable Options: Opt for low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers as additional layers in the casserole.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Almond Flour for Roux: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in the roux to lower the carb content.
- Alternative Topping Crunch: Choose a low-carb alternative to pork rinds for the topping crunch, such as crushed almonds or pecans.
- Vegetable Variety: Experiment with a mix of low-carb vegetables like asparagus or green beans for added variety.
The Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you opt for the classic recipe, explore variations, or venture into keto and low-carb adaptations, this casserole invites you to enjoy the comforting embrace of a homestyle dish. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of this hearty delight fill your kitchen. Here’s to the joy of creating, savoring, and relishing every spoonful of Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole!
