If you’re craving a comforting dinner that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, this Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is your new go-to. Combining juicy ground beef’s savory richness with the fresh crunch of broccoli and a luscious creamy cheddar sauce, this dish cooks up quickly and tastes like a warm, satisfying hug. It’s simple enough for beginners but packed with flavor to please the whole family.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a hassle-free meal prep, this skillet dinner brings wholesome keto-friendly ingredients together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste. The subtle hints of garlic and optional spicy red pepper flakes add just the right amount of depth, making every bite irresistible.
- Quick and easy one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes or less.
- High-fat, low-carb ingredients perfectly suited for keto diets.
- Deliciously creamy and cheesy with tender broccoli for balanced nutrition.
- Customizable seasoning options to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 pound): Fresh and lean ground beef provides rich protein and hearty flavor essential for keto meals.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Crisp, vibrant broccoli adds texture, fiber, and wholesome nutrients to the dish.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened and cooked with the beef.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2 cloves): Infuses aromatic savory notes that enhance overall flavor complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, this healthy fat boosts flavor and helps cook ingredients evenly.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and sharpness to season the meat and veggies.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the garlic flavor for a more robust taste profile.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the onion’s sweetness and depth throughout the skillet.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to create a creamy, flavorful topping full of rich dairy goodness.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds luscious creaminess that binds the beef and broccoli in a rich sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Contributes tangy umami notes for additional depth and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle spicy kick to liven up the flavor if desired.
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Brown Ground Beef
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Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Browning the beef develops rich flavors and ensures a satisfying texture.
- Add Onions and Garlic
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Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and soft. This step builds aromatic layers and softens the vegetables for even cooking.
- Incorporate Broccoli Florets
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Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring well to mix with the beef and onion. Combining now allows the broccoli to soak up the savory flavors while softening without becoming mushy.
- Season the Mixture
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Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the skillet contents. Stir to evenly coat all ingredients with the spices, enhancing every bite with balanced seasoning.
- Cook Covered Until Broccoli is Tender-Crisp
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Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. This gently steams the broccoli until tender yet still crisp, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Add Cream and Combine Gently
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Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine everything into a creamy sauce that envelopes the beef and broccoli, adding richness and moisture.
- Top with Cheddar Cheese and Melt
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the cheese melts completely, creating a gooey, savory topping that binds the dish together.
- Add Worcestershire Sauce and Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
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If desired, stir in Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes at this stage to infuse additional tanginess and spicy warmth, customizing the flavor to your liking.
- Serve Hot Directly from the Skillet
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Once fully cooked and cheesy, serve the skillet meal straight from the pan for an easy, satisfying keto dinner. Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.
- Broccoli cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep its bright color and crisp texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your spice tolerance.
- Use fresh ground beef for best flavor and texture in this skillet dish.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty skillet alone as a satisfying meal or with a side of cauliflower rice for extra volume. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Use a heavy-bottom skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with a keto-friendly vegan cheese and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Customize with other low-carb vegetables like spinach or zucchini for variety.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
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Yes, but thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture which can make the dish watery.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
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Absolutely; it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day, making it a convenient keto lunch or dinner option.
- Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
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Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken but the flavor will be lighter; consider adding extra seasoning to compensate.
- What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
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Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda are good alternatives that melt nicely and complement this dish.
- How can I make this recipe more spicy?
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Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level to your preference.
- Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
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It is optional but adds umami depth; you can skip it or replace it with soy sauce or coconut aminos for a different twist.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
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Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan cheese for a dairy-free and keto-friendly alternative.
Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking the ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli florets to combine with the beef mixture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir to evenly coat ingredients.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mixture, cover, and cook 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts.
- If desired, stir in Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
- Substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
