Sizzling Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet

This filling Keto Beef Broccoli Pan has become my go-to dinner fix when I'm craving something tasty but need to stay low-carb. Pairing well-seasoned ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli and gooey cheddar makes a full meal using just one skillet.

I came up with this dish during my keto journey's first few weeks when I was really missing my old pasta favorites. Now it's what I turn to whenever I want something substantial without feeling sluggish afterward.

What You'll Need

• Ground beef: An 80/20 mix gives you just the right fat level for great taste and keeps you full on keto
• Broccoli florets: They pack important nutrients and fiber while soaking up all the yummy flavors
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings that smooth, velvety texture and rich taste everyone loves
• Olive oil: Gets your beef nicely browned and adds good fats to your meal
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Give deep flavor without the carbs from fresh versions
• Heavy cream: Pulls everything together with a smooth, rich finish
• Red pepper flakes: You can skip these, but they add a nice warmth that makes the dish even better

Making Your Meal

Getting Ready:

Get all your stuff measured and ready before you start cooking. For fresh broccoli, give it a good wash and cut it into small, even pieces that'll cook at the same rate. Having everything set makes cooking way smoother.

Cook Your Beef:

Get your biggest pan hot over medium heat and pour in olive oil until it glistens. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it cook about 5-7 minutes until there's no pink left and the edges start to brown. Keep all the fat in the pan - it adds flavor and keeps this keto-friendly.

Toss in Veggies and Spices:

Put your broccoli right in with the beef. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Mix everything well so the broccoli gets coated with the tasty beef fat and seasonings. Cook about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until broccoli turns bright green but still has some crunch.

Make it Cheesy:

Turn the heat down to avoid curdling the dairy. Pour your heavy cream over everything and right away add half the cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce coating everything. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, put a lid on, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes until it's all bubbly and tempting.

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The heavy cream is what makes this dish special. Those couple tablespoons change everything from basic to restaurant-quality by creating a smooth sauce that ties all the flavors together. Even my husband, who usually passes on anything with broccoli, asks for this meal every week.

Simple Twists

You can easily change this dish while keeping it keto-friendly. Try throwing in some mushrooms for extra savory flavor, or switch the cheddar for pepper jack if you want some heat. For more veggies, just toss in some spinach during the last minute of cooking. The basic idea stays the same - just adjust cooking time for different vegetables.

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Keeping Leftovers

This one-pan meal actually tastes better the next day as the flavors mix together. Keep what's left in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat it, warm it slowly in a covered pan over medium-low heat with a little water or cream to keep it moist. Try not to use the microwave if you can help it because it can make your broccoli mushy.

What to Serve With It

This dish works perfectly on its own, but it also goes great with simple sides. Try it with some sliced avocado for extra healthy fats, or a basic side salad with olive oil dressing. If you've got family members not doing keto, you can offer them some rice or bread on the side while you enjoy yours as is.

Why It Fits Your Keto Plan

What makes this dish so good for keto is how the nutrients balance out. The 80/20 ground beef gives you enough fat to feel full plus plenty of protein. Broccoli has very few carbs compared to other veggies, giving you fiber and nutrients without too many carbs. Together, they make a meal that keeps your blood sugar steady while still feeling like comfort food.

Common Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

For sure! Ground turkey or chicken works great instead of beef, though you might want to add extra fat for better flavor.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can definitely use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it first and get rid of extra moisture by patting it dry.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Pop any leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in your microwave or back in a skillet.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can totally make this without dairy. Just swap in some dairy-free cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This tasty skillet goes really well with a basic green salad or some cauliflower rice if you want a full keto-friendly meal.