The Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake is comfort food at its best: a homestyle casserole that brings together savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and a lush, creamy base, all blanketed under a layer of melted cheese and golden, buttery crumbs. This one-dish wonder is a weeknight hero in my kitchen, balancing richness with veggies and brimming with cozy, familiar flavors. Whether you’re trying to sneak more greens onto your dinner table or simply craving something hearty, the Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight with every bubbling, cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about the Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake is how it relies on straightforward ingredients, each with a starring role. These staples combine for loads of flavor, perfect texture, and those crave-worthy layers you’ll want to dig right into.
- Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep things hearty but not greasy, plus it gives the bake a satisfying, meaty base.
- Onion: Diced onion infuses a sweet-savory aroma that plays perfectly with the beef and broccoli.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds an irreplaceable depth; I always say, a little garlic can turn a good dish into a great one.
- Salt & black pepper: Just enough to lift all the flavors without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
- Paprika: A sprinkle for gentle warmth and a hint of color—don’t skip it!
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings a subtle herbal note, making the whole casserole more aromatic.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or thawed (if frozen), these add vibrant color and a boost of nutrition to your bake.
- Sour cream: For that creamy, tangy base that wraps around every bite; trust me, it’s the secret to lusciousness.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The ultimate shortcut for rich, savory flavor and a silky texture—use your favorite brand.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This adds boldness and classic cheesy comfort. Half goes into the filling, half melts irresistibly on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle in mozzarella for its gooey, milder character—it helps make every forkful extra stringy.
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs: The crowning glory! Their crunch is the ultimate contrast to that creamy, tender center.
- Melted butter: Tossed with the topping, it browns everything to golden perfection—skip this and you’ll miss the magic.
How to Make Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by cranking your oven to 375°F (190°C); a hot oven is the key to getting that bubbling, golden finish. Lightly grease your favorite casserole or baking dish—this keeps every cheesy edge from sticking, making cleanup (almost) effortless.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with your diced onion and garlic. Once the beef is deeply browned and the onions are tender, drain away any excess fat. Season everything with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This fragrant mixture forms the flavorful base of your Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked beef mixture, broccoli florets, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar, and all the mozzarella. Give it a thorough mix—you want every bite to get some of that creamy, savory goodness and a pop of green broccoli.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread your beef and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining cheddar cheese to create that appealing, melting top layer we all crave in a Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix your crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Scatter this mixture over the cheese—when it bakes, you’ll get that golden, buttery crunch in every serving.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is bubbling and the top is wonderfully golden brown. This step melds all the flavors together and makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole stand for about five minutes once it comes out of the oven. This rest allows everything to set just enough for easier serving, so your cheesy squares hold together beautifully in each scoop.
How to Serve Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
A flurry of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top just before serving makes the colors pop and adds a fresh note to this cozy casserole. If you like a little kick, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce never hurt!
Side Dishes
This hearty bake is fabulous alongside simple sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, buttery peas, or even a warm slice of garlic bread—all bring out the best in Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins at a dinner party, or spoon your bake over a bed of fluffy rice or soft egg noodles for a true comfort feast. You can also stuff leftovers into a wrap or tortilla for a quick lunch makeover!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container, and enjoy within 3–4 days. Quick, delicious lunches are suddenly at your fingertips!
Freezing
Want to get ahead on meal prep? This casserole freezes quite well. Cool completely, wrap tightly with foil and plastic, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked texture, reheat your Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until hot (about 20 minutes). Individual portions can also be microwaved for quick meals, though the topping is crispier from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli well before mixing it in. This keeps the bake from being watery and ensures the florets cook up tender but not mushy.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Yes—cream of chicken soup works beautifully for a milder flavor, or try a homemade white sauce if you prefer to skip canned soups altogether.
Can I add pasta or rice for extra heartiness?
Definitely. Stir about 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice into the filling before baking to turn this Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake into a meal-in-one that’s even more satisfying.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Choose a gluten-free cream soup and swap the crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety. Double-check your seasoning blends, too, to ensure they’re safe.
Can I prepare Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate, covered. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.
Final Thoughts
Give this Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake a try the next time you need warmth, flavor, and a little bit of green on your dinner table. It’s dependable, absolutely delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If your family is anything like mine, you’ll soon be adding it to your regular dinner rotation—enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!