This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet hits the spot when you need something hearty, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. I first made this on a Tuesday night when I had leftover ground beef and some broccoli that needed using up, and it’s been on repeat ever since. The beef gets perfectly browned, the broccoli stays just tender enough to have a little bite, and that melted cheddar on top makes it feel like comfort food without any of the carbs.
If you’re looking for more quick and satisfying options, check out these dinner recipes, or try this Easy Homemade Entomatadas Recipe for another flavor-packed meal.
It’s one of those low-carb Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet that doesn’t taste like diet food at all.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
This keto-friendly broccoli and beef meal checks all the boxes. It’s ready in 25 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. The creamy, cheesy sauce brings everything together without adding tons of carbs.
You get 30 grams of protein per serving, which keeps you satisfied, and only 4 net carbs, which keeps you in ketosis. It’s perfect for meal prep too. Make a batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunch sorted for half the week. The flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge.
If you’re tired of the same old keto recipes, this simple keto ground beef dish will shake things up. It’s got that comfort food vibe without any of the guilt, and it’s flexible enough to work with whatever cheese you have on hand.
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Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet Ingredients
Everything you need for this healthy keto skillet meal is probably in your kitchen right now.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Ground beef: Forms the hearty protein base of this dish. Using 80/20 adds extra richness and flavor without drying out.
- Broccoli florets: Bring color, nutrients, and a slight crunch that balances the creamy cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, savory sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps the beef brown evenly and adds a touch of healthy fat.
- Garlic powder: Brings that savory, aromatic depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Adds sweetness and complexity to the beef.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice kick if you like a little heat.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, restaurant-style sauce that makes this feel indulgent.
How To Make Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
This comes together in one pan with minimal effort, perfect for a quick Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula as it browns. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as the meat hits the pan. Drain any excess fat if needed, though with 80/20 beef, you usually don’t need to.
Add Broccoli and Season: Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes tender but still has some bite. You don’t want it mushy.
Make it Creamy and Cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the beef and broccoli. This takes about 2 minutes.
Final Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly. The steam from the covered pan helps it melt perfectly.
Substitutions and Variations
This lazy Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet meal with ground beef is super flexible. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you want extra heat, or use mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese. Ground turkey or chicken works in place of beef if that’s what you have. For the broccoli, cauliflower florets are an excellent substitute and work just as well in this low-carb dinner with broccoli.
If you don’t have heavy cream, sour cream or cream cheese thinned with a bit of water will give you that same creamy texture. Add some crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor, or stir in some diced bell peppers with the broccoli for more color. You can even make it spicier by adding hot sauce or doubling the red pepper flakes.
Equipment For Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
You only need three things for this keto beef skillet with cheese: a large skillet (cast iron works great), a spatula for breaking up the beef and stirring, and a lid for the skillet to melt that final layer of cheese. That’s it. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet-style dish actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream if it seems dry.
For meal prep, divide it into four containers right after cooking. It holds up beautifully and makes grab-and-go lunches easy. I don’t recommend freezing this one because the broccoli can get a bit mushy when thawed, but it keeps so well in the fridge that you probably won’t have leftovers anyway.
Expert Tips
Use room temperature heavy cream so it blends smoothly without cooling down the skillet too much. Don’t overcook the broccoli in step two. It continues cooking when you add the cheese, so slightly underdone is perfect. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce when you’re browning the beef.
If your cheese isn’t melting smoothly, your heat might be too high. Keep it on low and be patient. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded because it doesn’t have anti-caking agents. Let the skillet rest for 2 minutes after you take it off the heat. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve without everything being too liquidy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet over cauliflower rice for an extra filling meal that still keeps the carbs low. A simple side salad with ranch dressing pairs perfectly and adds some fresh crunch. If you’re not strictly keto, this tastes amazing spooned over a baked sweet potato.
For a complete dinner spread, try serving it alongside Healthy Turmeric Rice and Chicken for variety, or pair it with Easy Homemade Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe if you’re feeding both keto and non-keto eaters. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and a fresh burst of flavor. Some people love adding a dollop of sour cream right before eating.
Why This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet Recipe Works
This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet recipe comes together fast, which is exactly what you need on a busy weeknight. Ground beef keto dinner ideas don’t get much simpler than this. You brown the meat, toss in the broccoli, stir in some cream and cheese, and you’re done. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, just real food that tastes good.
The cheddar melts into the beef and coats every piece of broccoli, creating this cheesy broccoli beef skillet that’s rich without being heavy. It’s the kind of keto-friendly ground beef meal that keeps you full for hours, and the best part is you only dirty one pan.
FAQ
Is it okay to eat Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet?
Yes, Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is excellent for keto. It’s low in net carbs (about 4 grams per cup) and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just watch your portions and account for the carbs in your daily totals. William’s favorite way to eat it is mixed with cheese like in this Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet.
Is hamburger keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Ground beef has zero carbs and provides plenty of protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for keto. Choose fattier blends like 80/20 for better flavor and to help you hit your fat macros. It’s one of the most versatile keto ingredients you can keep on hand.
Which is better for keto, broccoli or cauliflower?
Both work great for keto, but broccoli has slightly fewer net carbs per serving (around 4 grams vs 5 grams for cauliflower). Broccoli also has more vitamin C and K. Choose based on what you prefer taste-wise. I alternate between them to keep meals interesting.
Is steamed broccoli keto-friendly?
Yes, steamed broccoli is perfectly keto-friendly. One cup of steamed broccoli has about 6 grams of total carbs and 2 grams of fiber, giving you 4 net carbs. Add butter, cheese, or garlic for extra flavor without adding carbs. It’s one of the easiest low-carb veggies to prepare.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
This one-pan Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it the perfect quick, tasty meal for your low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
Method
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp-tender.
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Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts fully, creating a creamy mixture.
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Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
Notes
This recipe is a great option for keto meal prep. You can easily double or halve the ingredients based on your needs.
