Name: Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (Use 80/20 for juiciness and flavor.); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cups broccoli florets (Fresh florets give the best texture.); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream (For a lighter dish, use half-and-half.); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar gives more flavor.); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Optional for a deeper flavor.); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional for a spicy kick.)

Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a rich, savory one-pan meal that pairs browned ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a touch of cream for a simple low-carb comfort dish. The texture mixes meaty crumbles, tender florets, and melted cheese for a creamy, slightly crunchy bite every time. It’s easy because everything cooks in one skillet—quick browning, a short steam to finish the broccoli, and a final melt of cheese. Serve it straight from the pan for family dinners or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a fuller plate. If you like similar weeknight comforts, try this handy variation inspired by a 5-ingredient hamburger and potato casserole for another simple family-style meal.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet

One-pan meal: everything cooks in a single skillet for fast cleanup.
Bold, familiar flavors: browned beef, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic make a hearty taste.
Great texture contrast: crisp-tender broccoli meets caramelized beef and melted cheese.
Low-carb and keto-friendly: uses heavy cream and cheddar for fat while keeping carbs low.
Fast weeknight dinner: about 20–30 minutes from start to table.
Flexible add-ons: optional Worcestershire or red pepper flakes let you tweak depth and heat.
Family-friendly: mild enough for kids, easy to ramp up with spices for adults.

What Is Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet?

This skillet is a quick stovetop dish where ground beef is browned and mixed with sautéed onion, garlic, and broccoli, then finished with heavy cream and sharp cheddar. The taste is savory, beef-forward, and creamy, with a mild tang from the cheese and a little bite from onion and garlic. The cooking method is simple sautéing and brief steaming in the same pan—no roasting or multiple pots. The vibe is cozy, practical comfort food—perfect for weeknights, casual lunches, or a low-carb dinner that feels like a treat.

Ingredients for Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet

For the Base

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups broccoli florets
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Finish

1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)

Ground beef: Use 80/20 for juiciness and flavor. For leaner meat use 90/10 but expect a drier result; add a splash more olive oil or a tablespoon of butter if needed.
Broccoli: Fresh florets give best texture. Frozen broccoli can work—thaw and drain first and reduce the covered cook time by a minute or two.
Heavy cream: For a slightly lighter dish, use half-and-half (note: sauce will be thinner). For extra richness, use full heavy cream as written.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives more flavor per ounce; mild cheddar is fine if you prefer. Other melters like Monterey Jack or Colby are optional but change flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Optional for a deeper, slightly tangy umami note. Omit for strict keto if avoiding added sugars, or use tamari for a gluten-free boost.
Salt: Adjust to taste—if using salty cheese or Worcestershire, start with 3/4 teaspoon and add more at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Heat the skillet and brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula into small crumbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
Visual cue: Look for brown, caramelized bits on the beef and a clear reduction in visible pink.

Step 2 – Add onion and garlic
Once the beef has developed a golden crust, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the empty space and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic turns fragrant. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 3 – Toss in the broccoli
Stir in the 3 cups broccoli florets, tossing them gently with the beef and onion mixture so they’re evenly distributed. Let them sauté for a minute to pick up those beefy juices and brown slightly.

Step 4 – Season and steam briefly
Season everything with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Use a wooden spoon to stir thoroughly. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the mixture to cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender yet still crisp. Check halfway through and stir gently to maintain even cooking.
Pro cue: Test broccoli with a fork—firm but pierceable is ideal. Over-steaming makes it mushy.

Step 5 – Add cream and cheese
Reduce heat to low. Pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream and stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. The cream should warm and thicken slightly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 6 – Finish and serve
If using Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, drizzle and sprinkle them over the melted cheese now. Give everything one final gentle stir to combine flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and serve hot, straight from the pan.
Visual cue: Cheese should be melted and glossy, coating beef and broccoli.

Pro Tips for Success

Use a wide, heavy skillet so meat and broccoli spread out; overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Don’t skip browning: let the beef sit in one place briefly to develop golden crust—it adds depth.
Cut broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking.
Keep heat medium to medium-high for browning, then lower it for cream and cheese to avoid scorching.
Taste and adjust salt after cheese melts since cheese adds saltiness.
If broccoli is still too firm after covered cook time, add 1–2 tablespoons water, cover, and steam 1–2 minutes more.

Flavor Variations

Optional: Spicy Kick — add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes during the final stir or a dash of cayenne.
Optional: Herb Freshness — stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving.
Optional: Mushroom Boost — sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with onions for an earthy note (adds volume).
Optional: Creamier — swap 1/4 cup heavy cream for 2 tablespoons cream + 2 tablespoons cream cheese for richer sauce.
Optional: Mexican Style — add 1 teaspoon chili powder and swap cheddar for pepper jack; top with sour cream and cilantro.
Optional: Tangy Umami — drizzle 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) before the final stir for more depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb plate.
Spoon onto a bed of steamed spinach or kale for added greens.
Pair with a simple side salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to cut richness.
Offer extra shredded cheddar and hot sauce at the table for customizing.
For a family-style meal, serve straight from skillet with warm plates and pickled vegetables on the side.
Great for meal prep—portion into containers with a small side of raw sliced bell pepper for crunch.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-ahead: Brown the beef, sauté onion and garlic, and steam broccoli. Cool, then store the skillet mix (without cheese and cream) in the fridge up to 24 hours. Finish with cream and cheese when ready to serve.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce; microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to prevent drying.
Texture note: Broccoli will soften further after chilling; reheat gently to avoid turning it mushy.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Freezing: Not ideal for best texture—the cream and broccoli can separate and become watery when thawed. If you must freeze, cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of cream to help recombine.
Recommended: For best results, freeze cooked browned beef and onions separately from broccoli and cheese. Thaw and combine when ready to finish to preserve broccoli texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
540 | 28 g | 12 g | 41 g | 3 g | 775 mg

Estimates vary by brands and portions.

FAQ About Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet

Q: Why is my skillet too watery after adding cream?
A: Heat likely too high or cream added too soon. Reduce heat, simmer a minute to thicken. If still thin, remove lid and cook uncovered a couple minutes.

Q: How do I keep broccoli crisp-tender?
A: Cut uniform florets, cover and steam only 5–7 minutes, and check halfway. Avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes, but lean poultry can dry out. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more cream for moisture.

Q: Can I skip the cream for a simpler version?
A: You can, but the sauce will be less rich. Stirring in extra cheese helps add creaminess if you omit cream.

Q: How do I make this spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Freezing is possible but not recommended due to texture changes in the cream and broccoli; see freezing instructions above.

TastyInspo Notes

Finish with fresh herbs: chopped parsley brightens the rich skillet at the end.
Plate directly from the pan: it looks homey and keeps food warm for family-style serving.
Break the cheese into small bits to help it melt evenly and quickly.
For crisper edges, leave skillet uncovered for the last minute to brown cheese edges.
Offer simple garnishes like lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon to cut richness for those who want brightness.

Troubleshooting

Bland flavor: brown the beef well, taste for salt after cheese, and consider a splash of Worcestershire.
Overcooked broccoli: reduce covered steam time and check early; remove lid as soon as fork-tender.
Too thin sauce: simmer cream a bit longer uncovered on low, or stir in a small knob of cream cheese to thicken.
Burning on bottom: reduce heat, deglaze with a tablespoon of water or splash of cream and scrape up browned bits.
Cheese not melting: lower the heat, cover briefly, or shred thinner so it melts faster.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a simple, reliable one-pan meal that delivers comfort without the carbs. It’s fast, flexible, and forgiving—perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty, filling dinner with minimal fuss. For another quick keto beef-and-broccoli take, see this recipe for Keto Beef and Broccoli (only 10 minutes!).