A one-pan, low-carb wonder loaded with cheesy goodness and big flavor!
🕒 Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, One-Pan
✅ Ingredients Checklist
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Water or beef broth
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
🔪 Instructions
- Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Add Broccoli & Steam
Push beef to one side, add a bit of oil, and toss in the broccoli. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add water or broth. Cover and steam for 4–5 minutes until just tender. - Combine & Spice It Up
Mix beef and broccoli together. Sprinkle in paprika and red pepper flakes if using. - Melt the Cheese
Spread cheddar and mozzarella evenly across the skillet. Cover and let melt for 2–3 minutes, until gooey and bubbly. - Serve Hot
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve right from the skillet!
💡 Quick Tips
- Naturally keto, gluten-free, and low-carb.
- For extra fat, top with avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
- Great for meal prep—reheats beautifully.
🖼️ Hero Image
(Insert close-up of cheesy skillet with steam rising and vibrant broccoli peeking through melted cheese.)
👋 Meet Your New Favorite One-Pan Keto Meal
Cheesy, satisfying, and fast—this keto hamburger and broccoli skillet was born from a fridge raid on a weeknight and became an instant hit. If you’ve got beef, broccoli, and cheese, you’re already halfway there.
This one-skillet wonder is rich in flavor, packed with protein, and dripping with cheese. It’s the kind of weeknight hero you make once and keep on repeat.
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Sauté & Season the Beef
Brown the beef in a skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season generously with garlic and onion powder.
Tip: Don’t over-stir—letting it sit helps build those golden brown bits.
2. Toss In the Broccoli
Push the meat to the side, sauté broccoli quickly, then add a splash of water or broth. Cover to steam.
Tip: Don’t over-steam—you want bright green, tender-crisp broccoli, not mush.
3. Mix and Spice
Bring the skillet contents together, and add paprika and red pepper flakes.
Optional heat warning: Use less red pepper if you prefer it mild.
4. Cheese Blanket Time
Cover the skillet in a generous layer of cheese.
Tip: Let the cheese melt undisturbed with the lid on to trap that heat and get perfect melt.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with parsley or green onions and dig in straight from the pan.
🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Why These Ingredients Work:
- Ground beef (80/20): The fat content adds flavor and richness.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds crunch, fiber, and a nice contrast to the cheese.
- Cheddar + Mozzarella: Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for that gooey melt.
- Garlic/onion powder + paprika: Simple but flavor-packed seasoning blend.
Substitution Ideas:
- Ground turkey or chicken – for a leaner option
- Cauliflower or zucchini – instead of broccoli
- Vegan cheese – for a dairy-free version
- Vegetarian? – Swap beef for plant-based ground or crumbled tofu
Equipment Alternatives:
No lid for your skillet? Cover with foil or use a baking sheet in a pinch.
🔄 Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations
- Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard with the beef for tang
- Stir in 1/4 cup cream cheese for a rich twist
- Top with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy finish
Dietary Swaps
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese shreds like Violife
- Paleo: Omit cheese and add avocado on top
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as-is for keto, or over cauliflower rice
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for handheld low-carb wraps
- Pair with sparkling water or dry white wine
🧊 Storage, Reheat & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Let cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Microwave in 60-second bursts, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low.
Tip: Add a splash of water or broth to loosen cheese sauce when reheating.
Make-Ahead:
- Brown the beef and prep broccoli the day before.
- Assemble and refrigerate—just heat and melt cheese when ready to eat!
🥗 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 6g (Net: 4g)
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Dietary Notes: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, High-Protein
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this with frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Just thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess water.
Q: Can I use lean beef?
A: You can, but you might want to add 1–2 tbsp oil for flavor and moisture.
Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. It stores and reheats beautifully—just keep portions separate for easier reheating.
Q: Can I bake this instead?
A: Sure! Brown beef and steam broccoli as directed, then transfer to a baking dish, add cheese, and broil until bubbly.
💬 The Story Behind the Skillet
This recipe was born on a weeknight when I had zero motivation and three things in the fridge—beef, broccoli, and cheese. One skillet later, I was face-deep in melty, savory heaven. No fancy tricks, just solid ingredients doing what they do best.
It’s been a keto go-to ever since. Quick, easy, and shockingly addictive.
📣 Try It, Share It, Love It!
Did you make this cheesy skillet?
Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag your plate on social @YourKetoKitchen!
Let’s make easy delicious again 🥦🧀🥩
