This Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Casserole is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weeknight meal. Creamy cheese, seasoned beef, and tender broccoli come together in one irresistible baked dish.

🥘 Recipe Overview

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 11 oz broccoli, cooked (steam for about 5 minutes until just tender)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a slightly smaller dish for a thicker casserole).

2️⃣ Cook the Broccoli

  • Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
  • Drain well and set aside. (Avoid overcooking—it will continue to soften in the oven.)

3️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Drain excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Beef Mixture

  • Return the drained beef to the skillet.
  • Lower heat to medium-low.
  • Add:
    • Garlic powder
    • Paprika
    • Crushed red pepper
    • Cream cheese
  • Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the beef evenly, creating a creamy, seasoned mixture.

5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

  • Spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Spoon the creamy beef mixture over the broccoli and spread evenly.

6️⃣ Add the Cream Layer

  • In a small bowl, mix heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer. This helps bind everything together and adds extra richness.

7️⃣ Top with Cheese

  • Sprinkle mozzarella and provolone evenly over the top of the casserole.

8️⃣ Bake

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

9️⃣ Rest & Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Extra cheesy: Add more mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar.
  • Lower carb: This dish is already low-carb—perfect as is.
  • Spice level: Increase crushed red pepper or add hot sauce for more heat.
  • Meal prep: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer friendly: Freeze before baking or after fully cooked.

🥗 Serving Suggestion

Pair with a crisp green salad, lemon vinaigrette, or garlic-roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.