Introduction
Transform humble hamburger and broccoli into a cheesy, satisfying weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes! This One-Pan Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is your secret weapon for quick, delicious meals even on the busiest evenings. Say goodbye to complicated cleanup and hello to flavorful family favorites!
Why This Works
This recipe triumphs because of its simplicity and speed. One pan equals less washing up, and the quick cooking time means you can enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The cheesy sauce ties everything together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Key Ingredients
- 🍔 1 lb ground beef
- 🥦 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧅 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large skillet (oven-safe preferred) over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3️⃣ Stir in broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If using an oven-safe skillet, broil for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. If not, cover and let the cheese melt from the residual heat.
6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite steak seasoning to the ground beef while it’s browning.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack, for the cheddar.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the ground beef quickly without burning it. Lowering the heat to low after adding the broccoli and soup ensures the broccoli cooks evenly without overcooking and becoming mushy. The broiling step (optional) requires careful monitoring to prevent burning the cheese.
Crunch Factor
The broccoli should retain a pleasant tenderness with a slight satisfying crunch. Overcooking will result in mushy broccoli, so be mindful of the cooking time.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-chopped broccoli florets to save even more time.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for surprisingly delicious depth of flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but if you’re bringing it to a potluck, consider an attractive disposable aluminum pan for easy transport and serving.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwestern: Add a diced jalapeño pepper, 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
🌟 Creamy Bacon Cheddar: Add 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, along with extra cheddar cheese.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic.
🌟 Italian Herb: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with the salt and pepper.
Troubleshooting
- Broccoli is overcooked: Reduce the cooking time next time, and check for doneness frequently.
- Sauce is too thin: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese isn’t melting: If not using a broiler, ensure the skillet is removed from heat and covered, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? This recipe is best made in a skillet for optimal browning and texture.
- What can I serve this with? This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
- Can I substitute other ground meats? Ground turkey or chicken would also work well.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try and share your delicious results! We can’t wait to see your photos and ratings on RateMyRecipes!
30-Minute Cheesy Hamburger Broccoli Skillet: Busy Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring ground beef, broccoli, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautu00e9 until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the pasta is cooked.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Serve hot.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce when cooking the ground beef.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.