This Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli skillet is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor all made in one pan. Juicy ground beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making it a cozy weeknight dinner everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra shredded cheddar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Drain off any excess fat if necessary, then return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the broccoli florets and beef broth to the skillet. Stir, then cover with a lid and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it is fully melted and combined with the broth, forming a creamy sauce.
- Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar if desired and serve hot.
Variation
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce along with the paprika for a spicier version.
- Swap the veggie: Substitute or add in cauliflower florets, green beans, or sliced bell peppers for a different take on the dish.
- Change the cheese: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even smoked cheddar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Cook the ground beef in an even layer and let it brown undisturbed for a minute or two at a time for better flavor and texture.
- Cut broccoli into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly; smaller pieces will become tender more quickly.
- Keep the heat on low when melting the cream cheese and cheddar to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the cheesy sauce.
- Spoon into bowls and top with a sprinkle of green onions or fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef (85–90%) so you get plenty of flavor without too much excess grease to drain.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a few minutes before adding; it will melt faster and blend more smoothly.
- For easy cleanup, use a large nonstick or enameled skillet and avoid super high heat, which can scorch the cheese sauce.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well in this recipe. You may want to add a bit more seasoning (like an extra pinch of salt or paprika) to boost the flavor. - Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook it ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or a bit of cream if the sauce thickens too much when reheating. - Can I use pre-steamed or leftover broccoli?
Absolutely. Stir it in with the beef broth and heat just until warmed through before adding the cheeses. - How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through so the sauce stays creamy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, hearty, and irresistibly creamy. With just one pan and a handful of everyday ingredients, you get a rich, cheesy beef-and-veggie combo that’s perfect on its own or spooned over your favorite base for a cozy, satisfying meal.
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb Friendly, Omnivore
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli skillet is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor all made in one pan. Juicy ground beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making it a cozy weeknight dinner everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra shredded cheddar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Drain off any excess fat if necessary, then return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the broccoli florets and beef broth to the skillet. Stir, then cover with a lid and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it is fully melted and combined with the broth, forming a creamy sauce.
- Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest, creamiest sauce pre-shredded cheese can be grainy because of added anti-caking agents.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry first so it doesn’t water down the sauce.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a splash more beef broth if it gets too thick, or letting it simmer uncovered for a minute or two to reduce if it’s too thin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Skillet Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 540 mg (approx., using low-sodium broth)
- Fat: 34 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 16 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 28 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 115 mg (approx.)
Keywords: cheesy ground beef and broccoli, ground beef skillet, low carb beef and broccoli, one pan dinner, easy weeknight meal