Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef)
(Note 1
- 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- 6 cups small broccoli florets)
(Note 2
- 1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese)
(Note 3
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese)
(Note 4
- 1 large stalk celery
finely chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons table salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
Directions
- 1
Prepare: Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut any broccoli florets larger than 2 inches into smaller pieces, and add all broccoli to large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until tender, about 5 minutes. Let them drain and steam out on paper towels (Note 5).
- 2
Make Beef-Tomato Mixture: If wet, pat ground beef dry with paper towels. Add beef to large pan over medium heat. Crumbling beef with stiff utensil, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Keeping everything in pan, stir in tomato sauce, celery, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Simmer for at least 10 minutes to thicken sauce (Note 5), stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and let moisture steam out.
- 3
Assemble Casserole: Directly in 8x8 inch baking dish (Note 6), add broccoli, beef-tomato mixture, and half of cheddar cheese, carefully stirring together until well-mixed. Evenly top with remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- 4
Bake & Cool: Bake uncovered at 375 F until casserole begins bubbling up sides and starts to brown on top, about 20 minutes. Let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Serve (Note 7).
Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 60 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting dinner that's both satisfying and straightforward to prepare? This Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole is your answer, bringing together familiar flavors in an all-in-one dish perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole truly shines by combining wholesome ingredients into a robust, family-friendly meal. The rich extra lean ground beef pairs beautifully with bright tomato sauce, while the fresh small broccoli florets add essential texture and nutrition. The generous blend of sharp shredded cheddar and savory finely grated parmesan cheese creates an irresistible, creamy topping that ties all the flavors together, making every bite incredibly comforting.
What to Expect
You can look forward to a deeply savory and cheesy casserole, with tender ground beef infused with garlic and a subtle warmth from the cayenne pepper. The broccoli florets will be perfectly cooked, offering a slight bite that contrasts wonderfully with the soft beef and gooey cheese. This is a substantial dish designed to be a complete meal, leaving you feeling cozy and satisfied. The interplay of sweet tomato, earthy beef, and salty cheese makes it incredibly moreish.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the ground cayenne to suit your palate. While extra lean ground beef is specified, you could substitute it with another ground meat like ground turkey for a different flavor profile. For cheese, if you don't have parmesan, you could use an extra amount of cheddar or another hard grating cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Experiment with different types of shredded cheese to find your favorite blend.
Serving & Context
This Ground Beef & Broccoli Casserole is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a dependable, comforting dinner. It's a complete meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.