Nutritious Keto Broccoli Casserole (Hearty & Cheesy!)
Warm up with this incredibly Nutritious Keto Broccoli Casserole! This hearty dish features a savory blend of ground beef and sausage, tender steamed broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal that’s a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for any night!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, breakfast, or Italian sausage, ensure low-carb/no sugar added)
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 24 ounces (approximately 6-7 cups) broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (HWC)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or a light greasing (for baking dish)
Equipment:
- Steamer basket or method for steaming broccoli
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, as they will bake further in the oven. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped white onion for about 1 minute until it begins to soften.
- Add the ground beef and ground sausage to the pan with the onions. Brown the meats, breaking them up with a spatula, until no pink remains.
- Drain off any excess grease thoroughly from the browned meat mixture.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Add the garlic powder and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the meat mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly spray or grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the steamed broccoli florets evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the hot meat and cream cheese mixture evenly over the broccoli.
- Pour the heavy whipping cream evenly over the meat and broccoli layers.
- Top the entire casserole generously with 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the mozzarella cheese on top is completely melted and lightly golden. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top for a fresh melt before serving. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying Keto Broccoli Casserole!
Tips for Success:
- Broccoli Doneness: Steam the broccoli just enough so it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain Grease Well: Thoroughly draining grease from the meat mixture prevents the casserole from becoming overly oily.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest incorporation into the meat mixture.
- Meat Combination: The blend of ground beef and sausage adds complex flavor. Choose a mild or hot sausage based on your preference.
- Customization: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Nutritious Keto Broccoli Casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, ground sausage, and mozzarella cheese.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground meats, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and mozzarella.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by focusing on broccoli, compliant meats, and dairy.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet. Always check the label on ground sausage to ensure no hidden sugars or starches.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- 1lb ground beef
- 1lb ground sausage
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 24 ozs broccoli florets steamed
- 6 ozs cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup HWC
- 3 cups mozzarella
Instructions on preparing a keto broccoli casserole:
- Steam broccoli (we used a steamer, you can do yours however you like).
- Sauté onion for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and sausage to the pan with onions. Brown and then drain excess grease.
- Add 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 6 ozs cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
- Place steamed broccoli in a baking dish. Then top with meat mixture.
- Pour HWC (heavy whipping cream) over mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 15 at 400° or until cheese is melted.
Enjoy!
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