Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake: Your New Family Favorite

Picture this: a hearty, comforting casserole that brings together savory ground beef, tender broccoli florets, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked together under a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a busy day. Think of it as a deconstructed, beefed-up version of broccoli cheddar soup, but so much more satisfying. It’s a complete, all-in-one dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together with minimal fuss. Isn’t it time you had a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish like this in your back pocket?

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Dish

You’re going to adore this bake for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking about simple, straightforward steps that come together quickly, making it a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a good meal on the table fast. Second, it’s a fantastic way to get a healthy dose of veggies into your family’s diet without any complaints. The broccoli bakes up tender-crisp and delicious. And let’s be honest, everything is better with a blanket of melted cheese on top. It’s a guaranteed hit with both the kids and the adults. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. A true winner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed base of our bake.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in herby, Mediterranean notes.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: To season everything perfectly.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Our green veggie star, full of nutrients.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Helps create a rich, creamy roux for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent for our sauce.
• 1 ½ cups whole milk: Creates a smooth, luscious cream base.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds a rich, savory depth to the cheese sauce.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: For that classic, tangy cheesy flavor throughout and on top.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For the most incredible, stretchy, gooey melt.

Step by Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for one more minute until fragrant. Transfer this beef mixture to your prepared baking dish.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a paste.
5. Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it has thickened nicely.
6. Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
7. Place the fresh broccoli florets right on top of the beef in the baking dish. Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over everything.
8. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Oven Temperatures for Perfect Baking

Getting the oven temperature right is key to a perfect Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake. We recommend 375°F (190°C). This temperature is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to cook the broccoli through, get the sauce bubbling beautifully, and brown the cheesy topping without burning the edges. If your oven tends to run hot, you might want to check on it a few minutes early. If you’re in a real hurry, you can crank it to 400°F, but keep a very close eye on it to prevent the top from browning too quickly before the inside is hot.

Creative Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef Bake

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to play around and make it your own. For a lower-carb option, try replacing the flour with a cornstarch slurry and serve it over cauliflower rice instead of pasta. If you’re not a beef fan, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully here. You can also swap the broccoli for cauliflower, or use a mix of both! To add a little smoky flavor without pork, stir in some diced smoked turkey sausage. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef as it cooks. Honestly, a dash of hot sauce stirred into the cheese sauce is my personal favorite twist.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Leftovers? They reheat like a dream! Let the bake cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. The best way to bring it back to life is in the oven. Cover it with foil and warm it at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through. You can microwave individual portions for a quick lunch, but the oven will give you back that nice texture on top.

Serving Ideas & Pairings with Your Bake

This bake is a complete meal all on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some buttery dinner rolls or a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a simple side of pasta, like egg noodles or rotini. And if you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, this dish fits right in.

Doneness Test for Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake

How do you know when it’s done? It’s easy. The cheese on top should be fully melted and have those gorgeous golden-brown spots. The sauce should be bubbling actively around the edges of the pan. You can insert a knife into the center; it should go in easily and come out hot to the touch. The broccoli will be tender but still have a slight bite—perfectly cooked, not mushy.

FAQs About This Recipe

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly from the freezer. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time.
• Is this one of those healthy dinner recipes? It can be! By using lean ground beef and loading it up with broccoli, it’s a balanced meal. You can also use low-fat cheese and milk to make it even lighter.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You sure can. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
• What other quick dinner ideas do you recommend? This Cheesy Ground Beef & Broccoli Bake is a staple for a reason! It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor and comfort every single time.