This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole packed with tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all tucked under a golden, bubbly cheddar topping. It comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and bakes into a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, bite-sized)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Nonstick spray or a little extra oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, cooked rice, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden around the edges, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.
Variation
- Swap the beef: Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter casserole; adjust seasoning and add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
- Make it low-carb: Replace the cooked rice with 2 cups of cooked cauliflower rice and reduce the beef broth to 3/4 cup so the bake doesn’t get watery.
- Add a creamy twist: Stir 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup into the beef mixture before baking for a creamier, richer casserole.
Cooking Notes
- If using brown rice, be sure it’s fully cooked and tender before adding it to the skillet, as it won’t soften much more in the oven.
- Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets so they cook through evenly during the brief simmer and bake times.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or simple side of steamed green beans to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Add a warm dinner roll, crusty bread, or garlic toast on the side to soak up any flavorful juices.
- Top individual servings with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of salsa for extra color and flavor.
Tips
- Cook the rice ahead of time (or use leftover rice) so this casserole can come together quickly on busy nights.
- Season as you go taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce to your preference.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve neatly.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to the cheese step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. - Can I freeze Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, covered, at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. - What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth in a pinch, or use water plus a bouillon cube or paste for added flavor. - How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and ensure your broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake brings together simple ingredients in a cheesy, oven-baked dish that feels like pure comfort. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet flexible enough to welcome your favorite add-ins and twists. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s a satisfying casserole you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten (if using regular soy sauce)
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole packed with tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all tucked under a golden, bubbly cheddar topping. It comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and bakes into a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, bite-sized)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Nonstick spray or a little extra oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, cooked rice, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden around the edges, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to keep the casserole hearty but not greasy.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli both work; if using frozen, no need to thaw just simmer a minute or two longer.
- You can swap the cheddar for a cheese blend like cheddar-jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream before baking.
- If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake right in the skillet instead of transferring to another dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 700 mg (approx., will vary with broth and soy sauce)
- Fat: 18 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g (approx., from ground beef)
- Carbohydrates: 20 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
- Protein: 25 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 80 mg (approx.)
Keywords: ground beef and broccoli bake, ground beef casserole, broccoli rice bake, cheesy beef bake, easy weeknight dinner