Casseroles & Bakes

Beef And Broccoli Bake

Name: Beef And Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

By Caleb Wycliffe · June 19, 2026 · Casseroles & Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember my mom making Beef And Broccoli Bake for our family dinners. It was always a crowd-pleaser, and I loved how the flavors melded together in a satisfying, comforting way. As I grew older and started cooking for my own family, I realized just how versatile and easy this dish is to make. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

One of the things I love about Beef And Broccoli Bake is how it's a great way to use up leftover ingredients. You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and what you have on hand, making it a great option for reducing food waste and saving money. Plus, it's a hearty, filling meal that's sure to become a staple in your household.

As a busy home cook, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare Beef And Broccoli Bake. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you'll find that this recipe is a breeze to make and requires minimal supervision.

In this recipe, we'll be using ground beef, broccoli, onions, garlic, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich, satisfying flavor profile. We'll also be using some common pantry staples like canned tomatoes and olive oil to add depth and moisture to the dish. By the time you're done, you'll have a delicious, comforting meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

So if you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's easy to make and customize, look no further than Beef And Broccoli Bake. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and rich, satisfying flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, with a blend of savory, tangy, and umami flavors that complement the beef and broccoli perfectly.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable option for families and individuals.
The dish is hearty and filling, making it a great option for a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and content.
The recipe is easy to scale up or down, making it perfect for large families or small gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Beef And Broccoli Bake is in the layering of flavors and textures. By browning the ground beef properly and cooking the broccoli until it's tender, you create a solid foundation for the dish. Then, by adding a blend of cheeses and a tangy tomato sauce, you add depth and richness to the flavor profile.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of common pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and onions. These ingredients add a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. By sautéing them in olive oil before adding the other ingredients, you create a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Finally, the use of a moderate oven temperature and a reasonable cooking time ensures that the casserole is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This helps to create a golden-brown crust on top of the dish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Overall, the combination of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques in Beef And Broccoli Bake makes it a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Whether you're a busy home cook or an experienced chef, you'll find that this recipe is easy to make and customize to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Beef And Broccoli Bake, it's all about using high-quality ingredients that will add depth and flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, tender broccoli and lean ground beef that's free of added preservatives and fillers. You'll also want to use a blend of cheeses that will melt well and add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

In addition to these main ingredients, you'll also need some common pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and onions. These ingredients will add a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. By using high-quality ingredients and following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious, satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for lean ground beef that's free of added preservatives and fillers. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute if you prefer.
3 cups broccoli floretsFresh, tender broccoli is essential for this recipe. Look for broccoli with tight, compact florets and a bright green color.
1 large onion, dicedOnions add a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. You can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, high-quality garlic that's free of sprouts or mold.
1 cup grated cheddar cheeseA blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese works well in this recipe, adding a rich, creamy texture to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Monterey Jack, if you prefer.
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. Look for high-quality mozzarella that's free of added preservatives and fillers.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesCanned tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes that are free of added preservatives and fillers.
1 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality olive oil that's free of added preservatives and fillers.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. Look for high-quality dried thyme that's free of added preservatives and fillers.
1/2 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavors in the dish and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli. Look for high-quality salt that's free of added preservatives and fillers.
1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish that complements the beef and broccoli perfectly. Look for high-quality black pepper that's free of added preservatives and fillers.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Beef And Broccoli Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 3-5 minutes.
6
Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and broccoli mixture, grated cheddar cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is well combined and the mixture is heated through.
8
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth the top.
9
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
11
Serve the Beef And Broccoli Bake hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your Beef And Broccoli Bake.
Don't overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
Consider adding other ingredients to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to add more flavor and texture.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find the combination that works best for you.
Consider making a double batch of the casserole and freezing it for later use.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the broccoli, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not browning the ground beef properly, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can result in a messy and unappetizing presentation.
Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and unappetizing casserole.
Not cooking the casserole to a safe internal temperature, which can result in foodborne illness.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms to the casserole for added flavor and texture.
Using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to create a unique and tangy flavor.
Adding cooked rice or pasta to the casserole for added bulk and texture.
Using ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef for a leaner and more flavorful option.
Adding a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder to the casserole for added spice and flavor.
Using fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Making individual servings of the casserole in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a fun and easy meal.

What to Serve With Beef And Broccoli Bake

Beef And Broccoli Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

You can also serve the casserole with a variety of condiments, such as sour cream or salsa, to add an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, consider serving the casserole with a side of fruit or a dessert, such as a fruit salad or a brownie, to round out the meal.

Serve with a green saladServe with roasted vegetablesServe with garlic breadServe with a side of fruitServe with a dessert, such as a brownie or fruit salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Beef And Broccoli Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerating it.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging the container or bag in cold water. Once thawed, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until it's hot and bubbly.

It's also possible to make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Simply thaw the broccoli according to the package instructions and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef. Simply cook the ground meat according to the package instructions and drain off any excess fat before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.

How do I reheat the casserole?

To reheat the casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging the container or bag in cold water. Once thawed, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until it's hot and bubbly.

Can I use different types of cheese instead of cheddar and mozzarella?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese instead of cheddar and mozzarella. Simply grate or shred the cheese according to the package instructions and add it to the casserole.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms. Simply sauté the ingredients in a little bit of oil until they're tender, then add them to the casserole.

How do I know if the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

To ensure that the casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the casserole. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I make individual servings of the casserole?

Yes, you can make individual servings of the casserole. Simply assemble the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and bake until hot and bubbly.

The Full Recipe

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