Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

ByEmma

Ground beef and broccoli casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the nutritious crunch of broccoli, all baked together in a creamy sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Here’s how to make it.

Contents

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup minced onion (about half a small onion)
  • ¾ pound lean ground beef
  • ⅜ teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅜ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ⅜ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

  • 4 ounces small broccoli florets (about 2 cups)
  • 5 ounces small cauliflower florets (about 1¾ cups)

For the Hash Browns:

  • 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns (about 5½ ounces)

For the Sauce:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1½ tablespoons hot sauce (like Louisiana hot sauce)
  • 1¼ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté until translucent.
    • Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    • Steam the broccoli and cauliflower until tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Pre-bake the Hash Browns:
    • Spread frozen hash browns evenly in a greased baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes until slightly crispy.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, egg, heavy cream, and hot sauce until smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, mix cooked beef, steamed vegetables, and half of the cheddar cheese.
    • Pour in the sauce and stir until everything is well-coated.
  6. Assemble and Bake:
    • Pour the mixture over the pre-baked hash browns in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
    • Bake in the oven for about 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole hot from the oven as a standalone meal or pair it with a fresh green salad for added crunch.

Pro Tips

  • Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
  • Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

This ground beef and broccoli casserole is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences! Enjoy your meal!

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