Introduction

Did you know that over 80% of home cooks struggle to find quick, nutritious dinner options that please the whole family? This delicious ground beef broccoli recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Combining the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with fresh, nutrient-packed broccoli in a creamy, cheesy casserole, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that both adults and children will love. Whether you’re looking for a hearty hamburger broccoli casserole or a twist on the classic beef and broccoli bowl, this versatile recipe delivers exceptional taste while being budget-friendly and straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients List

For this ground beef and broccoli casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended for best flavor balance)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (sweet or yellow varieties work best)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (brown rice can be used for more fiber)
• 2½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken works as an alternative)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
• ¼ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt offers a healthier substitute)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

The combination of beef broth and cream soup creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats each grain of rice and piece of beef perfectly, while the broccoli adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory meat.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (including chopping and measuring)
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (25% faster than traditional casseroles that typically require 80+ minutes)

This ground beef rice and broccoli casserole offers the perfect balance between quick preparation and slow-cooked flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited but you don’t want to compromise on taste or nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and dice the onion. Pro tip: Cutting the broccoli into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break the meat into small, uniform crumbles as it cooks for the best texture distribution throughout your casserole. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions to the beef. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aromatic foundation you’re building here will infuse the entire ground beef broccoli recipe with deep, savory notes.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Liquids

Add the uncooked rice to the beef mixture and stir to coat grains with oil and beef juices. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. This pre-coating technique helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky and ensures each grain absorbs maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add Remaining Components

Stir in the condensed soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold in the broccoli florets, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. If using a skillet that isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish at this point.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the mixture, then cover with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F, then remove the foil and check if the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the rice is tender, gently stir in the sour cream for added creaminess. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese and optional breadcrumb mixture. Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set for easier serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Sodium: 650mg (when using low-sodium broth)
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 45% DV (primarily from broccoli)

This ground beef and broccoli casserole provides a complete, balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one dish. The broccoli contributes significant amounts of vitamins K and C, while the beef provides essential iron and B vitamins.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this comfort food into an even more nutritious meal with these simple modifications:

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce saturated fat by approximately 30%
• Use brown rice instead of white for an additional 2g of fiber per serving
• Replace regular cheese with reduced-fat varieties or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option
• Increase the broccoli-to-meat ratio (3 cups broccoli to ¾ pound meat) for a more vegetable-forward dish
• Use cauliflower rice in place of half the regular rice to reduce carbohydrates by about 40%
• Swap the cream soup for a homemade sauce using 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, and seasonings
• Add 1 cup of diced carrots or bell peppers for additional vegetables and nutrients

These adjustments maintain the hearty, satisfying nature of the hamburger broccoli casserole while enhancing its nutritional profile to suit various dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your ground beef broccoli recipe with these complementary serving ideas:

• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole
• Serve alongside garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for a restaurant-quality meal experience
• Add a dollop of additional sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for bright flavor contrast
• For a complete beef and broccoli bowl experience, serve over additional steamed rice for heartier appetites
• Include a side of pickled vegetables or quick-pickled red onions to cut through the richness
• Offer hot sauce or red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick

This versatile casserole can be the centerpiece of a family dinner or packed for lunch the next day, as the flavors continue to develop and improve overnight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can encounter challenges with casseroles. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:

1. Undercooking the rice: Ensure your rice is fully tender before the final baking stage. Test a few grains – they should be soft with no hard centers.
2. Overcooking the broccoli: Add broccoli at the right stage to prevent it from becoming mushy. It should maintain some texture after baking.
3. Not draining excess fat: While some fat adds flavor, too much can make your ground beef rice and broccoli casserole greasy. Drain all but 1 tablespoon after browning.
4. Under-seasoning: Casseroles need adequate seasoning. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.
5. Rushing the resting period: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving cleaner and easier.
6. Using cold ingredients: Allow refrigerated items like sour cream to come to room temperature before adding to prevent uneven cooking.
7. Skipping the browning step: Properly browning the ground beef develops essential flavors that form the foundation of the entire dish.

According to a survey of home cooks, over 65% report improved casserole results after learning to properly brown meat and season in layers rather than just at the end.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Make the most of your ground beef broccoli recipe with these storage and meal prep strategies:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as the ingredients meld together.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
• Freezer meal prep: Assemble the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

For optimal food safety, always cool the casserole to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing, and never leave it out for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This easy ground beef broccoli casserole delivers a perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and convenience. By transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal, you’ll satisfy even picky eaters while providing essential nutrients in each delicious bite. The versatile recipe adapts to your dietary preferences and makes excellent leftovers for busy weekdays.

Have you tried this ground beef and broccoli recipe yet? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments section below! Share your own variations, serving suggestions, or how your family enjoyed this dish. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more family-friendly recipes that make weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this ground beef broccoli recipe. There’s no need to cook it beforehand; simply thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the casserole. You’ll save prep time while maintaining excellent nutrition since frozen broccoli is typically flash-frozen at peak freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this hamburger broccoli casserole is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare it up to the baking stage and refrigerate for 24 hours, or freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Alternatively, bake the entire casserole and portion it into individual containers for ready-to-heat meals throughout the week.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, ensure your beef broth and condensed soup are labeled gluten-free (or make your own with gluten-free flour), and omit the breadcrumb topping or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients in this ground beef rice and broccoli dish are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Try adding 1 cup of diced bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, or corn. Just be mindful that vegetables with high water content might need to be pre-cooked or drained to prevent excess moisture in the final dish.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup makes an excellent substitute in this beef and broccoli bowl inspired casserole. Alternatively, create your own by making a roux with 3 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then slowly whisk in 1½ cups of milk or broth until thickened, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker? Yes, though with some modifications. Brown the beef and sauté aromatics as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and sour cream. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then stir in the sour cream and top with cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.