There’s something comforting about throwing a few ingredients into a skillet and ending up with a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner. That’s exactly what this Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet delivers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and fiber—without the carbs that typically weigh down classic comfort food.
Back when I started experimenting with keto recipes for my family, this was one of the first dishes that became a weeknight staple. It has all the cozy vibes of a cheeseburger casserole but without the bun or the bloat. If you’re looking for a fast, fuss-free keto dinner, this is the one to bookmark.
Table of Contents
📝 Why You’ll Love This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
- Low in carbs and high in flavor
- Made in one skillet—hello, easy cleanup!
- Family-friendly, even for non-keto eaters
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easily customizable to your dietary preferences
Perfect for busy weeknights or your keto meal prep rotation, this dish strikes the right balance between indulgent and nutritious.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Tip: Use grass-fed beef and organic broccoli for the cleanest keto experience.
🕐 Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
🔥 How to Make Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Seasonings
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for a minute to bloom the spices.
3. Add the Broccoli
Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp. If using fresh broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the skillet to steam slightly.
4. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to coat everything in the cream.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and combined. Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from heat, garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot!
🍽️ Texture & Flavor Profile
This dish is creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of crunch from tender broccoli. The ground beef adds depth and richness, while the cream and cheese bring everything together into a satisfying keto-friendly skillet dinner. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, which you can scale up or down depending on your preference.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own for a simple meal
- Pair with cauliflower rice or keto flatbread
- Add a side salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
- Top with avocado slices or sour cream for extra fats
🧂 Variations to Try
- Cheeseburger Skillet: Add chopped pickles and a spoonful of mustard before serving
- Taco Style: Season with taco spices and top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and salsa
- Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms with the broccoli for added texture and umami
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat
- Freeze: This skillet freezes well! Store in individual portions for easy keto lunches. Freeze for up to 2 months
Tip: Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 25g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
🌍 Keto Comfort with an American Twist
The Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet takes its cues from classic American diner fare—think cheeseburger plates and skillet casseroles—but reimagines it for the low-carb lifestyle. It’s a practical way to enjoy the flavors you love without compromising your goals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw it before adding and reduce cook time slightly.
Can I swap the beef for another protein?
Absolutely—try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian version.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free shredded cheese.
Is this recipe good for keto meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for batch cooking.
How spicy is it with the red pepper flakes?
It’s mild, but feel free to omit or double the flakes to suit your taste.
🔗 External Links
Check out these resources and recipes to boost your keto cooking skills:
- Guide to Starting Keto (Healthline)
- Low Carb Broccoli Recipes
- Keto Meal Prep Ideas
- Best Cheeses for Keto
💬 Final Thoughts
This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is one of those recipes that just makes sense—it’s fast, full of flavor, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this skillet meal is a guaranteed hit.
PrintKeto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet : Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 30
Description
There’s something comforting about throwing a few ingredients into a skillet and ending up with a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for a minute to bloom the spices.
Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp. If using fresh broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the skillet to steam slightly.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to coat everything in the cream.
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and combined. Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat, garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat
- Freeze: This skillet freezes well! Store in individual portions for easy keto lunches. Freeze for up to 2 months
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a quick