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Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, wholesome comfort food dish combining tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly casserole offers a delicious blend of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese for a quick, filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and finely dice the onion and garlic to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef; cook until the onion is soft and translucent, building an aromatic base.
  4. Steam the Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets until just tender but still crisp, maintaining bright green color and firm texture.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture, steamed broccoli, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then stir to coat evenly.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and optional breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Drain the meat well to remove excess grease for a cleaner flavor.
  • Do not overcook broccoli to preserve texture and color.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
  • Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, broccoli casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole