Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet offers a deliciously satisfying and incredibly easy low-carb meal perfect for any weeknight. Featuring savory ground beef, tender-crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s a full-flavored dish that comes together in a single pan. Enjoy a hearty, wholesome dinner without compromising on taste or your ketogenic goals.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
- A complete, satisfying meal cooked entirely in one pan, simplifying cleanup.
- Packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized.
- An excellent low-carb and ketogenic option without sacrificing taste.
- Highly versatile; easily customizable with your favorite seasonings and cheeses.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 pound) ground beef
- 300g (3 cups) broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion (approx. 150g), diced
- 2 cloves garlic (approx. 10g), minced
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5g (1⁄2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 2.5g (1⁄2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5g (1⁄2 teaspoon) onion powder
- 115g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60ml (1⁄4 cup) heavy cream
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1g (1⁄4 teaspoon) red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 15ml (1 tablespoon) of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 450g (1 pound) of ground beef. Cook the beef, using a sturdy spoon or spatula to break it apart into small, even crumbles, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, typically 5-7 minutes. For a leaner dish, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet, though for keto purposes, some fat can be beneficial for flavor and satiety.
- To the browned beef in the skillet, add the diced medium onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not browned, which prevents bitterness.
- Introduce the 300g (3 cups) of fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir vigorously to ensure the broccoli is well combined and coated with the seasoned beef and onion mixture. This step helps the broccoli absorb the flavors already developed in the pan.
- Season the entire mixture generously with 5g (1 teaspoon) of salt, 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) of freshly ground black pepper, 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) of garlic powder, and 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) of onion powder. Stir thoroughly to distribute these seasonings evenly throughout the dish, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes over medium-low heat. The goal here is to steam-cook the broccoli until it is tender-crisp, meaning it's cooked through but still retains a slight bite and vibrant green color, avoiding any mushiness.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the 60ml (1/4 cup) of heavy cream. Gently stir the cream into the beef and broccoli mixture until it is fully incorporated, creating a rich, luscious base for the cheese sauce.
- Evenly sprinkle the 115g (1 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef and broccoli mixture. Re-cover the skillet and continue to cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted into a gooey, tempting layer.
- If you desire a deeper umami flavor, stir in 15ml (1 tablespoon) of Worcestershire sauce. For those who enjoy a subtle heat, add 1g (1/4 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes now. Stir these optional ingredients thoroughly into the dish to integrate their flavors.
- Serve the Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet immediately, directly from the pan. This ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and the dish is piping hot, ready to be enjoyed as a complete, satisfying, and easy one-pot meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet (preferably cast iron or a non-stick pan with a lid)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Achieve a deep brown crust on your ground beef before adding other ingredients; this caramelization adds significant flavor to the entire dish.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy, which is key for texture and retaining nutrients. Keep an eye on it during the covered cooking time.
- Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the broccoli and melt the cheese evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and provides a creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer flavor profile, consider using an 80/20 ground beef. The fat content helps carry the flavors and keeps the dish moist.
- After browning the beef, if there's any fond (browned bits) stuck to the bottom of the pan, add a splash of beef broth or water with the onions and scrape it up. This 'deglazing' incorporates concentrated flavors into your sauce.
- Elevate the cheese factor by using a blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and a touch of cream cheese melted in with the heavy cream for an extra creamy consistency.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Variations: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in with the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice Level: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. There's no need to thaw them first; simply add them to the skillet as instructed. You might need to extend the cooking time under the lid by a few minutes, as frozen broccoli releases more moisture.
What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would also melt beautifully and complement the flavors. For a sharper taste, try aged white cheddar.
How can I make this dish even creamier?
To enhance the creaminess, you can slightly increase the amount of heavy cream, or stir in 30g (2 tablespoons) of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. This will make the sauce exceptionally rich and smooth.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Fat: 35g, Carbs: 8g (Net Carbs: 5g)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (heavy cream, cheddar cheese). For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based heavy cream substitute and dairy-free shredded cheese, adjusting quantities as needed for consistency.
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