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Looking for a quick and tasty meal that fits your keto lifestyle? You’re in the right spot! This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet combines ground beef, fresh broccoli, and savory cheese into one delightful dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will make your weeknight dinners fun and healthy! Ready to savor every bite?

Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Satisfying: This dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the freshness of broccoli, making it a delicious and filling meal.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal in a hurry.
- Keto-Friendly: This skillet is not only low in carbs but also packed with healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for those following a keto lifestyle.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheddar and cream cheese add a creamy texture and rich flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
For this dish, I use 1 pound of ground beef. I prefer 80/20 beef for great taste and fat. This blend keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Broccoli and Aromatics
You need 2 cups of broccoli florets. Fresh or frozen both work well. I also add 1 medium onion, finely diced, to give depth. Two cloves of minced garlic add a nice kick. These aromatics make the dish fragrant and tasty.
Spices and Cheese
For spices, I use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. These add warmth and flavor. I also add ½ teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. For cheese, I use ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, preferably aged. It adds a robust taste. Lastly, I mix in 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, which gives a creamy texture. Fresh chopped parsley is great for garnish, adding color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Skillet
First, grab a large skillet. Set it on medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil warm up for a minute. Chop a medium onion into small pieces. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and a little golden. Then, mince two cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the skillet and stir for one more minute. This step helps to release the garlic’s great smell.
Cooking the Beef
Now it’s time for the ground beef. Use one pound of beef, preferably 80/20 for best flavor. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes. You want the beef to brown evenly. If there is extra fat, drain it carefully from the pan.
Incorporating Broccoli and Cheese
Next, let’s spice things up! Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all well so the beef is coated in spices. Now, add two cups of broccoli florets. If your broccoli is frozen, that’s fine too. Add a few tablespoons of water to help steam the broccoli. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still crisp.
After the broccoli cooks, lower the heat to low. Mix in two tablespoons of softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts and combines with the meat and broccoli. Finally, sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. When it’s ready, take the skillet off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy this quick and tasty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Select ground beef with a blend of 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This mix gives great flavor and keeps the dish juicy. The fat helps to enhance the taste and texture. Avoid very lean beef, as it may dry out during cooking.
Cooking Broccoli to Perfection
For tender-crisp broccoli, cook it slowly. Add the florets to the skillet with a bit of water. Cover the skillet to steam the broccoli. This method keeps the bright green color and crunch. Cook for about five minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy.
Enhancing Flavor with Cheese
Cheese adds richness and depth to this dish. Use aged cheddar for a sharper taste. Adding cream cheese gives a creamy texture. Stir it in when the heat is low. Let the cheese melt completely for a smooth blend. For extra flavor, consider adding Parmesan or mozzarella.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for more flavor and juiciness, especially in skillet dishes.
- Prepping Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in your dish, ensuring a better texture.
- Layering Cheese: For an even melt, sprinkle cheddar cheese in layers rather than all at once, allowing it to evenly coat the dish.
- Seasoning to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook, especially after adding spices and cream cheese, to achieve your preferred flavor.

Variations
Adding Low-Carb Vegetables
You can change up this dish with other low-carb veggies. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower. These veggies add color and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces. Add them when you cook the beef for even cooking.
Dairy-Free Alternative Options
If you want a dairy-free meal, swap out the cream cheese and cheddar. Use a dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts or coconut. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s a great option for added nutrients.
Spice Adjustments and Additions
Spices can transform your dish. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes or cayenne. For a more earthy flavor, try cumin or coriander. You can also experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme to change the taste. Adjust the spices to fit your flavor preferences.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can store your Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If using the stove, place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat until warm throughout. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to find. Just toss it in the skillet with the ground beef and spices. Cook it a bit longer if needed. Frozen broccoli is quick and still tasty.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, skip the cream cheese and cheddar. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Coconut cream can also replace the cream cheese. Adjust the spices to enhance the taste.
What can I serve with Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet?
This dish is great on its own, but you can add a side salad. Cauliflower rice is also a good choice. It pairs well with the beef and broccoli. You might enjoy some sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet. We explored the key ingredients like ground beef, broccoli, and spices. You learned how to prepare and cook this dish step-by-step. We shared tips to choose the best beef and cook broccoli just right. Plus, I gave you ideas for variations and storage.
In the end, this dish is easy to make and enjoy. It fits into your healthy eating plan. Now, you can cook this meal and impress everyone with your skill
Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
A delicious and low-carb skillet meal featuring ground beef and broccoli, perfect for a keto diet.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- for garnish fresh parsley
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
Integrate the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously until aromatic but not browned.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until evenly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
Incorporate the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the meat.
Gently toss in the broccoli florets, adding a couple of tablespoons of water to help them steam. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to cook for about 5 minutes or until it is tender-crisp.
Lower the heat to low and mix in the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts and fully combines with the meat and broccoli mixture.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet and cover again for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Remove the skillet from heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Use aged cheddar for extra flavor.
Keyword beef, broccoli, keto, skillet
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