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This filling Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet has turned into my favorite quick dinner when I want something tasty but can't spend forever cooking. It blends rich ground beef with healthy broccoli, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese.
I stumbled on this dish when I first started keto and needed something my whole family would like. Now, three years later, it's still part of our weekly meals because even my teenagers who love carbs ask for it all the time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef 80/20: This fat level keeps everything moist and gives you the fats you need for keto
- Broccoli florets: Get fresh for the best crunch but frozen will do in a hurry
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Grate it yourself from a block for better melting
- Olive oil: For cooking with a taste that works well with the meat
- Garlic powder: Adds flavor depth without chopping fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Gives savory taste without the carbs of real onions
- Salt and pepper: Must-haves to make all the flavors pop
- Red pepper flakes: You can skip this, but it adds a nice gentle heat
- Heavy cream: Makes everything come together in a smooth sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:
- Get everything measured and ready before you start cooking. It really helps the process go smoothly. Cut your broccoli into same-sized bite pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Brown the Beef:
- Get your pan hot enough that you can feel heat when you hold your hand above it. Pour in olive oil and tilt to spread it around. Toss in ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it to sizzle gently, not smoke. Cook until no pink shows but don't let it dry out.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Throw in the broccoli pieces and all seasonings. Mix everything so the broccoli gets coated in the beef fat and spices. This really helps build flavor. The broccoli should stay a bit crunchy to contrast with the soft meat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Turn down the heat before adding dairy stuff to stop it from separating. Add your heavy cream and half the cheese, stirring the whole time until it turns into a smooth sauce. Put the rest of the cheese on top and cover to make a yummy cheese crust. Keep an eye on it - it only takes a couple minutes for the cheese to get bubbly and perfect.
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The heavy cream might not seem like much but it totally changes the dish from just stuff in a pan to something with a real sauce. I found this out after making it several times without cream and noticing how much better everything mixed together with that little bit added.
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days if you keep it in a sealed container. The flavors actually get better overnight which makes it great for meal prep. When you reheat it, use your microwave at 70% power or warm it slowly in a pan with a tiny bit of water to keep it from drying out. I often cook twice as much on Sundays so I've got quick lunches ready through the week.
Ingredient Substitutions
I love the regular version, but you can switch things up based on what's in your kitchen. You can use ground turkey instead of beef, but you might want to add a bit more oil since turkey isn't as fatty. Cauliflower works great instead of broccoli if you want even fewer carbs. If dairy doesn't work for you, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream, though it will taste a bit different. Any cheese that melts well can replace cheddar - Monterey Jack or provolone are really good choices.
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Serving Suggestions
This skillet is great by itself, but I love having it with a basic side salad with olive oil and vinegar for something fresh. For family members not doing keto, you can offer garlic butter cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. In summer, I sometimes put sliced avocado on top for extra healthy fat and creaminess.
Family-Friendly Modifications
Though this is made for keto, it's a hit with everyone regardless of diet. For kids or family who want carbs, you can easily put theirs over rice or pasta while you eat yours as is. The flavors are common enough that even picky eaters usually like this meal. My son normally avoids broccoli, but he gobbles it up when it's covered in this cheesy beef mix.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make sure my broccoli stays crispy?
Don't cook the broccoli longer than 5-7 minutes and aim for tender-crisp texture. This way it'll keep its bite and nutritional value.
- → Can I swap out the cheese type?
Absolutely! Try using mozzarella, gouda, or even Parmesan instead of cheddar to change up the taste.
- → Do I have to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The heavy cream makes everything rich and creamy, but you can use coconut cream instead or skip it altogether for a lighter dish.
- → What extra veggies work well in this?
You can throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more flavors and textures.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
You bet! Make it ahead and keep it in your fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up in a pan when you're ready to eat.