Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet is an easy, fulfilling dish that captures the essence of comfort food in every bite. Combining ground beef, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheeses, this skillet recipe makes for a delightful dinner that the entire family will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this creamy, cheesy dish. Not only is it delightfully savory, but it also brings a hearty mix of protein and veggies to your table. Ground beef is a versatile staple, while broccoli adds essential nutrients and a pop of color to the meal. The ease of cooking everything in one skillet means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
The combination of flavors—a rich creaminess from the cream cheese and cheddar, a savory depth from the ground beef, and a fresh crunch from the broccoli—makes this dish a winner in households of all sizes. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a meal with your loved ones.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Creating this delicious dish is straightforward, and you don’t need culinary expertise to get it right. Just follow the simple steps outlined below!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and aromatic.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and beef broth; cover and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Lower the heat, then mix in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
- Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and nutrients, opt for fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch but may change the texture.
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly until it’s nicely browned. This step deepens the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. A little extra garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Bringing your cream cheese to room temperature makes it easier to mix into the dish, resulting in a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Add Other Veggies: You can easily incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots if you want to increase the nutritional value.
Flavor Variations Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
- Add Some Heat: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes to give it a spicy twist.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the dish; simply stir them in during the cooking process.
- Chopped Tomatoes: For a touch of acidity and sweetness, mix in some canned or fresh diced tomatoes before adding the cheeses.
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option; ground sausage can also provide a flavorful punch.
Serving Suggestions Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet is fantastic on its own, but you can make the meal even more hearty by pairing it with:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling dish.
- Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the skillet.
- Pasta: For a twist, serve it over cooked pasta, mixing everything together for a delicious, cheesy pasta dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|————|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
FAQ About Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative, while ground sausage will give the dish a bit of spice and flavor. Don’t worry—just adjust cooking times accordingly for leaner meat.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat-like protein such as tempeh for a vegetarian version. You may also want to replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to maintain the dish’s vegetarian status.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving. This makes it convenient for meal prep or unexpected guests.
What types of cheese can be used in this dish?
While this recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with various types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese combined with mozzarella can create delightful results. Get creative with flavors, and consider mixing cheeses for an even richer taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To give the dish an extra kick, you can add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also experiment with using pepper jack cheese for an added kick of heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With rich flavors and comforting textures, this recipe brings together the family around the dinner table, creating moments of warmth and togetherness. Quick to prepare yet satisfying, it’s sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.
Try this delightful dish today, and enjoy all the scrumptious flavors it has to offer!
Print
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
An easy, fulfilling dish capturing the essence of comfort food with ground beef, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheeses.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and aromatic.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and beef broth; cover and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Lower the heat, then mix in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and nutrients. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
