This Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli skillet is a deliciously comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. It brings together savory, browned ground beef with vibrant, tender broccoli, all enveloped in luscious melted cheese that adds creamy richness and melty delight to every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish combines simple ingredients into a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that everyone will enjoy. The balance of protein, veggies, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and love.
- Quick and family-friendly, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Balances savory beef, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese for great flavor.
- One-skillet dinner that is both hearty and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (500 g / 1 lb): Lean ground beef provides a rich, savory base packed with protein for a filling meal.
- Broccoli Florets (3 cups): Fresh broccoli adds a crisp, vibrant contrast with essential nutrients and bright color.
- Small Onion, finely chopped: Onion adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile once softened.
- Garlic Cloves (2–3), minced: Garlic infuses a warm, fragrant aroma for enhanced savory notes.
- Olive Oil (1–2 tbsp): Used for sautéing to bring out the flavors gently without burning.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs like oregano and basil creates aromatic complexity.
- Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, enhancing all flavors.
- Shredded Cheese (1–1½ cups): Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix gives creamy meltiness and a rich finish.
- Optional Garnish: Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Browning develops a rich, caramelized flavor and ensures the meat is cooked through. Drain excess fat if the skillet has pooled grease for a lighter dish.
- Add Aromatics
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Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to release bold, savory aromas that enhance the dish.
- Cook the Broccoli
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in 2–3 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 4–5 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender-crisp and maintains its bright green color, preserving nutrients and pleasant texture.
- Add Cheese
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Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef and broccoli mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly layer that binds everything together deliciously.
- Season and Serve
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Season the skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm to enjoy the melty, hearty flavors at their best.
- Choosing sharp cheddar adds a bold depth, while mozzarella brings a stretchy cheese pull.
- Don’t overcook broccoli; it should be tender yet crisp to keep the texture balanced.
- For extra flavor, consider a dash of Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy juices.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the broccoli’s texture and melt the cheese smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet as a main dish alongside steamed rice, buttered pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal. A fresh side salad or roasted potatoes also make excellent accompaniments.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding, so the broccoli steams well.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent greasiness and keep the dish balanced.
- Experiment with cheese blends for personalized flavor and texture combinations.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just adjust steaming time slightly to ensure it becomes tender but not mushy.
- What cheese works best for melting in this dish?
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Cheddar provides robust flavor, while mozzarella offers gooey stretchiness. A blend of both gives balance.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends to be sure they contain no additives.
- Can I add other vegetables?
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Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to increase veggie variety and nutrition.
- How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the broccoli?
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Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, covering it to steam and keep broccoli moist.
Cheesy Ground Beef Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 spoon for breaking up beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon; drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets; pour in 2-3 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture; cover and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste; garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mozzarella for stretchiness.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep a tender-crisp texture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently.
