Freezer Meals

Beef And Broccoli Casserole

Name: Beef And Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

By Jonah Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Freezer Meals

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a Beef And Broccoli Casserole for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the dish that had been baking in the oven for the past hour. The aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible, and the first bite was like a warm hug on a cold day.

As a weekday-meal strategist, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated without losing their flavor or texture. This Beef And Broccoli Casserole is one of my favorites, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. The beef is tender, the broccoli is crunchy, and the sauce is creamy and rich. It's a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can use different types of beef, such as ground beef or beef strips, and add your favorite vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to give the dish a unique flavor.

In this article, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Beef And Broccoli Casserole from scratch. We'll cover everything from preparing the ingredients to cooking the dish and storing it in the fridge or freezer. So, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days.
The dish is highly customizable, and you can add your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
It's a great way to use up leftover beef and broccoli.
The casserole is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
It's a comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Beef And Broccoli Casserole is in the layers. You want to create a dish that's balanced, with a combination of tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a creamy sauce. To achieve this, it's essential to cook each component separately and then assemble them in a way that allows the flavors to meld together.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of heat control. You want to cook the beef and broccoli at a high temperature to get a nice brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The sauce, on the other hand, should be cooked at a lower temperature to prevent it from burning or becoming too thick.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. After cooking the casserole, it's essential to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the sauce to thicken, making the dish even more delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a Beef And Broccoli Casserole, the ingredients are crucial. You want to use high-quality beef, fresh broccoli, and a combination of cheeses that will melt together beautifully. In this recipe, we'll be using ground beef, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and a mixture of cream and milk to create a creamy sauce.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for ingredients is to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the beef, look for ground beef that's at least 80% lean. For the broccoli, choose fresh florets that are firm and green. And for the cheese, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for the best flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that's at least 80% lean to ensure the best flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute.
3 cups broccoli floretsChoose fresh broccoli florets that are firm and green. You can also use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water.
1 medium onion, dicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shreddedUse a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, but adjust the amount according to your taste.
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shreddedUse a high-quality mozzarella cheese that's fresh and creamy. You can also use other types of cheese, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, but adjust the amount according to your taste.
1/2 cup heavy creamUse heavy cream for the best flavor and texture. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1/4 cup.
1/2 cup milkUse whole milk for the best flavor and texture. You can also use low-fat or nonfat milk as a substitute, but adjust the amount according to your taste.
1 tsp dried thymeUse fresh thyme for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, but adjust the amount according to your taste.
1/2 tsp saltUse kosher salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or table salt, but adjust the amount according to your taste.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or cayenne pepper, but adjust the amount according to your taste.

Ingredients for Beef And Broccoli Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panDutch oven or large casserole dishInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Beef And Broccoli Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5
In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until it's hot and steaming, about 2-3 minutes.
6
In a large casserole dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beef and broccoli mixture, the cream sauce, and the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
7
Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the casserole. It should be at least 165°F (74°C) in the center.
10
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh broccoli and real cheese, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the beef and broccoli mixture, as it can become tough and dry.
Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Let the casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to give the dish a unique flavor.
Use leftover beef and broccoli to make the casserole, or freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it when you're ready to eat it.
Add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef and broccoli mixture, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh broccoli and real cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together properly.
Using too much liquid in the cream sauce, which can make the casserole soggy and unappetizing.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the casserole, which can cause food safety issues.
Not freezing the casserole properly, which can cause it to become freezer-burned and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, for a unique flavor.
Add some heat to the casserole by using spicy cheese or adding diced jalapeños.
Use leftover beef and broccoli to make the casserole, or freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it when you're ready to eat it.
Make individual servings of the casserole in ramekins or small casserole dishes for a fun and easy meal.
Add some freshness to the casserole by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, on top of the casserole before serving.

What to Serve With Beef And Broccoli Casserole

This Beef And Broccoli Casserole is perfect for serving as a main dish, accompanied by a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve it as a side dish, alongside some roasted vegetables or a grilled protein.

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include:

- Serving it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.

- Adding some crusty bread or crackers to the table for a fun and easy snack.

- Serving it with a green salad or some sautéed spinach for a healthy and balanced meal.

Serve with a side salad or some crusty breadAdd some mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting and filling mealTry serving it with some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced mealAdd some crusty bread or crackers to the table for a fun and easy snack

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Beef And Broccoli Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the casserole, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and steaming.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this casserole include:

- Letting it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it to prevent the growth of bacteria.

- Using an airtight container to store the casserole in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn.

- Reheating the casserole to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it.

Can I freeze this casserole for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for later use. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

What's the best way to reheat this casserole?

The best way to reheat this casserole is to thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and steaming.

Can I make individual servings of this casserole?

Yes, you can make individual servings of this casserole. Just assemble the casserole in ramekins or small casserole dishes, then bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they're hot and steaming.

What's the best way to store leftover casserole?

The best way to store leftover casserole is to let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Just assemble the casserole, then cook it on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until it's hot and steaming.

What's the best way to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

The best way to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy is to not overcook it and to use a combination of cream and milk in the sauce. You can also try adding some grated cheese or crushed crackers to the top of the casserole before baking it to help absorb any excess moisture.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card