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This filling Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet has turned into my favorite quick dinner option when I'm craving something tasty but don't want to spend forever cooking. It pairs the rich flavor of ground beef with nutritious broccoli, all wrapped up in gooey cheddar cheese.
I stumbled on this meal during my first few months of keto when I was trying hard to find something my whole family would eat. Now, three years on, we still cook it weekly because even my teenagers who love carbs ask for it all the time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef 80/20: This fattier mix keeps everything moist and gives you the fat you need for keto
- Broccoli florets: Go with fresh for better crunch, though frozen works when you're in a hurry
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Grate it yourself from a block for smoother melting
- Olive oil: Used for cooking and brings a nice taste that works well with the meat
- Garlic powder: Adds rich flavor without having to chop fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Gives you that onion taste without the extra carbs
- Salt and pepper: Must-haves to make all the other flavors pop
- Red pepper flakes: Skip if you want, but they add a nice gentle heat
- Heavy cream: Makes everything come together in a smooth, rich sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Set out all your stuff before you start cooking. It really helps things go smoothly when everything's within reach. Cut your broccoli into similar-sized small chunks so they'll cook at the same rate.
- Cook the Meat:
- Get your pan hot enough that you can feel heat when you hold your hand above it. Pour in olive oil and tip the pan to spread it around. Throw in the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to hear a gentle sizzle, not a loud pop. Cook until you don't see any pink parts, but don't let it dry out.
- Mix in Veggies and Spices:
- Add your broccoli pieces and all the spices. Mix everything up so the broccoli gets coated with the beef drippings and seasonings. This really makes the dish taste good. The broccoli should stay a bit crunchy to contrast with the softer meat.
- Make it Creamy:
- Turn down the heat before adding any dairy stuff or it might separate. Pour in the heavy cream and half of your cheese, stirring all the time until everything melts into a smooth sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and cover the pan. Keep an eye on it since it only takes a minute or two for the cheese to get bubbly and perfect.
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The heavy cream might not seem like much but it really changes the game by creating an actual sauce instead of just having dry stuff in your pan. I figured this out after making it several times without cream and noticing how much better the flavors blend together with that little splash.
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 planning. When you want to warm it up, use your microwave at 70% power or heat 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 all week.
Ingredient Substitutions
While I really enjoy the original version, you can easily swap things 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 just as well as broccoli if you want even fewer carbs. If dairy doesn't agree with you, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream, though it will taste a bit different. Any cheese that melts well can replace the cheddar, with Monterey Jack or provolone being really good choices.
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Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal works great all by itself, but I like to serve it with a basic side salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing for some freshness. For family members who aren't doing keto, you can offer some garlic butter cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up the yummy sauce. In summer, I often put sliced avocado on top for extra healthy fat and creaminess.
Family-Friendly Modifications
Even though this is a keto dish, it's popular with people following any diet. For kids or others 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 fussy eaters usually like this meal. My son normally picks around broccoli, but he gobbles it up when it's covered in this cheesy beef mixture.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I keep the broccoli from overcooking?
Just cook your broccoli for about 5-7 minutes until it's soft but still has a bit of bite to it. This way it won't turn mushy and keeps all the good nutrients.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely, swap out the cheddar for things like mozzarella, gouda, or even Parmesan if you want a different taste.
- → Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
The heavy cream makes everything extra rich, but you can swap in coconut cream or just skip it altogether if you want something lighter.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
You can throw in some colorful bell peppers, chunks of zucchini, or sliced mushrooms for extra taste and texture.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely make this ahead and keep it in your fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up slowly in a pan when you're ready to eat.