The Story & Intro
Hi 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
When I first made this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake, I wasn’t trying to be fancy. I was tired, missing home, and craving something warm that would make my kitchen smell like comfort. Back in Paris, my maman believed that a good baked dish could fix almost anything heartbreak, homesickness, even a bad day. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake became my American version of that belief.
I remember pulling this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake out of the oven for the first time, steam rising, cheese bubbling, broccoli still bright and proud. It felt like a promise that simple food could still feel special. Since then, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake has become one of those recipes I make when I want everyone at the table to slow down, breathe, and feel cared for.
I make this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake when I want something filling but not complicated, hearty but still fresh. It’s the kind of dish that brings women and families together, where everyone asks for seconds and no one rushes away from the table.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s honest food. No tricks. No stress. Just real ingredients coming together in the oven.
Ground beef gives me that deep, savory comfort, while broccoli adds balance and color and makes me feel like I’m feeding my family something nourishing. I love that this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake works for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and even meal prep for the week ahead.
Another reason I adore this dish is how forgiving it is. If the kids don’t love broccoli, the cheese helps. If I want it extra cozy, I add more creaminess. This recipe meets me where I am, and that’s something I deeply appreciate.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything I use, plus a few secrets I’ve learned along the way:
- Ground beef: I usually choose 80/20 for flavor. Leaner works, but flavor matters here.
- Fresh broccoli florets: I prefer fresh over frozen for texture, but both work.
- Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the beef.
- Garlic: Always fresh. Always generous.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This gives that classic baked comfort. Homemade works too.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings personality.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melt.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way.
- Paprika: Adds warmth without heat.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing.
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional): I add this when I want it extra filling.
Little secret: I lightly steam the broccoli before baking. It keeps it tender without turning mushy.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven sets the tone for a good bake.
In a large skillet, I heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. I add the diced onion and let it soften until it smells sweet and cozy. Then I add the garlic and stir just until fragrant.
Next, I add the ground beef. I break it apart gently, letting it brown evenly. I season with salt, pepper, and paprika, tasting as I go. When the beef looks deeply browned, I drain any excess fat.
While the beef cooks, I steam the broccoli florets for about 3–4 minutes. I want them bright green and just tender.
In a large bowl, I mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella. I stir until creamy and smooth.
I add the cooked beef and broccoli to the bowl and gently fold everything together. If I’m adding cooked rice or pasta, this is where it goes.
I transfer everything into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Into the oven it goes for about 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden. I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving patience makes all the difference.
How I Serve It at Home
At home, I serve this Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake straight from the dish, family-style. I love pairing it with a simple green salad or warm bread to scoop up every bit of sauce.
Sometimes I add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper on top. Nothing fancy just enough to make it feel loved.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F until warmed through, but the microwave works for busy days.
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake is also freezer-friendly. I assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, I bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
100-Word Short Version
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake is my go-to cozy dinner when I want comfort without stress. Savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in one warm, family-friendly dish. It’s easy to make, flexible, and perfect for busy nights or make-ahead meals. Every bite feels like home.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Brown ground beef and season.
- Steam broccoli lightly.
- Mix soup, sour cream, and cheese.
- Combine everything and transfer to baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bake 30–35 minutes.
📝 Notes
Add extra cheese for a richer bake or swap broccoli for cauliflower.
🍽️ Nutrition
Comforting, protein-rich, family-friendly 💛
Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake is a cozy, creamy family favorite made with savory ground beef, tender broccoli, and melted cheese. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling on the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, and season.
- Lightly steam broccoli until tender.
- Mix soup, sour cream, and half the cheese.
- Combine beef, broccoli, and sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Lightly steaming the broccoli keeps it tender without becoming mushy. This bake stores well and can be frozen for later meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Bake reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s simple, warm, and meant to be shared. When I make this dish, I’m not just feeding bellies I’m creating moments, laughter, and memories around the table. And that, to me, is everything.