This rich, creamy, high-protein casserole combines tender ground beef, fresh broccoli, and three kinds of melty cheese in a deliciously smooth sauce. It’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and perfect for meal prep — hearty, satisfying, and loaded with flavor!

🍽️ Servings

6–8 servings

⏱️ Total Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 25–30 minutes
  • Total: ~40 minutes

🧂 Ingredients

🥩 For the Meat & Vegetables:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (use 85–90% lean for best texture)
  • 11 oz (about 3 cups) broccoli florets, cooked or steamed for 5 minutes
    (You can use fresh or frozen — just drain well if frozen.)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

(You can substitute cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a slightly smaller one) with butter, oil, or cooking spray.
    • This prevents sticking and helps the edges crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

  1. Steam or blanch the broccoli for about 5 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
    • You can also microwave frozen broccoli according to package directions.
  2. Drain off any excess moisture to keep the casserole from getting watery.
  3. Spread the broccoli evenly over the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.
  2. Once fully cooked (no pink remaining), drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Return the skillet to low heat and stir in the cream cheese.
    • Mix until the cream cheese melts and fully coats the beef in a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  2. This will form a light, creamy layer that binds everything together and adds extra richness.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

  1. In the prepared baking dish:
    • Spread the broccoli evenly on the bottom.
    • Spoon the creamy beef mixture evenly over the broccoli.
    • Pour the heavy cream–Parmesan mixture over the top, letting it seep through the layers.
  2. Sprinkle the top evenly with:
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup provolone cheese

Step 6: Bake

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until:
    • The cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
    • The edges are slightly crispy.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set.
  2. Serve hot with:
    • A fresh green salad
    • Roasted vegetables
    • Or a side of cauliflower rice for a complete keto-friendly meal.

💪 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

(Based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~480
  • Protein: 35–40 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6–8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

(Nutrition values may vary depending on cheese brands and fat content of beef.)

🌟 Tips & Variations

  • 🧈 Make it extra rich: Add 1 tbsp of butter while melting the cream cheese.
  • 🌶️ Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • 🧄 Flavor twist: Add 1 tsp onion powder or sautéed onions before mixing the beef.
  • 🥦 Different veggies: Swap broccoli for cauliflower, spinach, or green beans.
  • 🧊 Meal prep: Store in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4–5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
    Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.