Are you craving a delicious, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese in one mouthwatering dish? Look no further! This Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with protein, vegetables, and irresistible cheesy goodness, this casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, steamed broccoli florets, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander and even pat the meat with paper towels for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing some diced onions with the ground beef or adding garlic powder to the mixture.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and nutrition. Frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh provides a crisper bite.
- Make sure to steam the broccoli just until bright green - overcooking will make it mushy in the final dish.
- For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - try substituting different soups or cheeses to create your own unique version!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 392kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
