Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a quick, satisfying meal perfect for low-carb diets. Combining savory ground beef with tender broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g), fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 4 ounces cream cheese, full-fat and softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (50g)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
• Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms (70g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
2. Step 2: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: If using mushrooms, add them now and sauté with the beef and garlic until softened and browned, about 4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green, about 3-5 minutes. Drain well to avoid watering down the skillet.
5. Step 5: Stir the broccoli into the beef mixture and mix well to distribute evenly.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and combines into a smooth sauce coating the beef and broccoli. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it melt for 3-5 minutes, or place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden (watch carefully).
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, optionally with a crisp green salad or on its own.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when melting the cheese sauce.
• Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
• Swap mushrooms for sliced bell peppers or zucchini for a different veggie twist.
• To keep it dairy-free, try substituting cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, but using 80/20 ground beef provides better flavor and enough fat to keep the skillet moist. If you use leaner beef, you might want to add a little extra oil during cooking.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and makes a quick keto-friendly lunch or dinner. Just store in portioned containers and reheat as needed.

Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a creamy, comforting low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with garlic and optional mushrooms, then combined with steamed broccoli and a rich cream cheese sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and onion powder. Topped with melted mozzarella or cheddar, this one-pan dish is hearty, flavorful, and keto-friendly.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g), fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 4 ounces cream cheese, full-fat and softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (50g)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (70g)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and onion powder as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a bit for flavor.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
3. Cook Mushrooms (Optional): If using mushrooms, add them now and sauté with the beef and garlic until softened and browned, about 4 minutes.
4. Prepare Broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green, about 3-5 minutes. Drain well to avoid watering down the skillet.
5. Combine Broccoli and Beef: Stir the broccoli into the beef mixture, mixing well to distribute evenly.
6. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce coating the beef and broccoli. Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Melting the Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it melt for 3-5 minutes, or place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden, watching carefully.
8. Serve: Serve immediately, optionally with a crisp green salad or on its own for a delicious keto-friendly meal.

Notes

• Be sure to drain excess fat after cooking the ground beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
• Steaming the broccoli instead of boiling helps retain its bright green color and texture.
• If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the spices.
• Using full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream keeps the dish rich and keto-compliant.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though this will alter the flavor.

Keywords: keto skillet, ground beef recipe, broccoli, low carb dinner, creamy skillet, keto dinner, easy weeknight meal