Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet
If you’re looking for a meal that’s not only delicious but also keto-friendly, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet! Seriously, this one is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle or just wanting a quick, nutritious dinner option.
Picture this: perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and just the right amount of savory goodness all cooked together in one skillet. It’s comfort food that won’t kick you out of ketosis, and it comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.” Trust me, you’re going to love this whether you’re following a keto diet or just craving a tasty, satisfying meal!
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments around your table without the carb guilt. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, planning a cozy family dinner, or making something that satisfies your keto crew, this dish is perfect for every occasion. Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Versatile: Enjoy this skillet as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at your next gathering. It’s a winner either way!
- Budget-Friendly: No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients here—just everyday items that are probably already in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you just don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Love bold flavors? Add some extra garlic or chili flakes. Want something more mellow? You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will love this one. The balance of beef and broccoli is satisfying without being overwhelming.
Ingredients for Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet
Here’s the magic of this skillet—it’s simple but flavorful, with ingredients you’ll probably recognize from your pantry. Let’s break it down:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
- 4 cups (350g) fresh broccoli florets
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (3g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (3g) onion powder
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to create this flavorful masterpiece. The beauty of this recipe is that everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterward—always a win in my book!
Instructions:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. You want those deliciously browned bits for maximum flavor! Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Broccoli and Season: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. I like my broccoli tender but still with some bite—that bright green color is what we’re looking for!
- Make it Creamy and Cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about ¾ cup). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and well blended. This is where the magic happens—that creamy sauce binding everything together!
- Final Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When you lift that lid and see that golden, melty cheese, you’ll know it’s ready!
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, you could pair it with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the skillet beautifully.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll throw in some sliced mushrooms with the broccoli, or add a handful of spinach right at the end for an extra nutritional boost. The possibilities are endless!
How to Serve and Customize Your Keto Skillet
One of the best things about this keto hamburger and broccoli skillet is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. While it’s absolutely delicious straight from the pan, there are plenty of ways to switch things up depending on your mood or what you have in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in a bowl with a side of sliced avocado for extra healthy fats
- Spoon over cauliflower rice for a more traditional “meal” feel
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra richness
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor
- Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes if you like it spicy
Make It Your Own:
Want to customize this recipe? Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Change the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully for a lighter option
- Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra stretchiness
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions
- Boost the flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of dijon mustard adds depth
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free? A: Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and either skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing? A: Yes, but the broccoli texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How do I know if I’m using the right amount of broccoli? A: Four cups of broccoli florets is approximately one medium-sized head of broccoli. Don’t worry about being exact—this recipe is very forgiving!
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? A: Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet. You might need to reduce the cooking time slightly as frozen broccoli is partially cooked.
Q: What’s the best type of pan to use for this recipe? A: A large cast-iron skillet works best for even heating and that lovely browning on the beef, but any large, heavy-bottomed pan will do the job nicely.
This keto hamburger and broccoli skillet has become my go-to weeknight dinner for good reason. It’s quick, satisfying, and keeps me on track with my low-carb lifestyle without feeling like I’m missing out on anything. Give it a try tonight—I promise your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
- 4 cups 350g fresh broccoli florets
- 1½ cups 170g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil
- 1 tsp 3g garlic powder
- 1 tsp 3g onion powder
- ½ tsp 3g salt
- ¼ tsp 1g black pepper
- ¼ tsp 0.5g red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still has some bite.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup). Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
