Keto Beef and Broccoli Casserole -Easy, Cheesy & Low-Carb
If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that’s hearty, low in carbs, and totally family-friendly, this keto beef and broccoli casserole is your answer. In this article, I’ll walk you through my own story behind this dish, how to make it rich and satisfying without all the carbs, and answer common keto casserole questions along the way. Plus, I’ll sneak in a few pro tips I’ve learned over the years for keeping your casseroles flavorful—not watery. Let’s dig in and make a meal that tastes like home, even when you’re cutting carbs.
The Story Behind This Keto Beef and Broccoli Casserole
A Family Favorite with a Low-Carb Twist
This keto beef and broccoli casserole has a special place in my kitchen. Back when I first started eating low-carb, I missed my grandma’s classic casseroles—the kind she used to serve bubbling hot with cheddar melting over the sides. They weren’t exactly keto, but they sure were comforting. So I got to work recreating her style in a way that fit my lifestyle. This version keeps the soul of her recipe but skips the rice and noodles in favor of hearty broccoli florets and a rich, meaty tomato base.
There’s something about browned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and that sharp bite of parmesan that reminds me of her cast iron skillet bubbling on the stovetop. And while she always swore by elbow macaroni, I’ve found that broccoli adds a lovely texture—and fewer carbs. What I love most is how filling it is. One serving of this keto beef and broccoli casserole packs in plenty of protein, fiber-rich veggies, and just the right amount of spice.
For anyone just starting out on keto, dishes like this make it easy to stay on track. There’s no sacrifice here—just real food, real flavor, and real satisfaction. I often serve it alongside garlic roasted mushrooms or this keto garlic parmesan chicken when we’re feeding a crowd. Even my non-keto friends go back for seconds!
Why It’s a Staple in My Mountain Kitchen
Living up here in the mountains of Asheville, NC, we deal with long winters and cooler evenings that call for warm, filling meals. This casserole makes a regular appearance on our table, especially when I want something I can throw together with simple ingredients I already have in the fridge.
Broccoli is one of those keto-approved vegetables that’s always in my crisper drawer. It’s affordable, loaded with vitamin C, and it holds up beautifully in casseroles when pre-steamed just right. Paired with extra-lean ground beef and a tomato-based sauce, the end result is a meal that feels indulgent, but totally aligns with your keto goals.
Whether you’re trying to lower your carb intake, cut calories, or just find more nutritious ways to feed your family, this casserole hits the spot. And if you’re on a keto meal plan, it fits beautifully with recipes like carnivore keto chicken or cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole.
Building Bold Keto Flavor Without Carbs
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
When creating a truly satisfying keto beef and broccoli casserole, your ingredients have to pull double duty—delivering flavor and texture without relying on carb-heavy fillers. That starts with lean ground beef, which browns up beautifully without releasing too much grease. I go for 90% lean or higher, patting it dry before cooking to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
Broccoli may be humble, but it’s the green backbone of this recipe. I prefer fresh florets over frozen—they microwave fast, steam evenly, and hold their texture after baking. Cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces makes each forkful balanced and keeps the casserole from falling apart.
Tomato sauce is where the magic starts. Instead of canned soup or carb-heavy roux, tomato adds natural acidity and body to the beef mixture. I let it simmer with chopped celery and just enough garlic powder and cayenne to bring depth. The result is a thick, spoon-coating sauce that needs no flour or starch to bind it.
When folks ask, “What is a keto thickener for beef stew or casseroles?”, I always say: reduce, reduce, reduce. Simmering the sauce and letting moisture escape naturally thickens it. You can also use a pinch of xanthan gum or cream cheese, but often, patience is the most keto-friendly tool in the kitchen.
Cheese: The Comfort Blanket of Keto
If you ask me, cheese is where keto casseroles really shine. Cheddar gives this dish a bold, sharp base that melts smoothly over the beef and broccoli. I always divide it—mixing half into the casserole and saving half for the top, where it gets bubbly and golden brown in the oven.
Finely grated parmesan on top adds that toasty, umami punch that makes people think the casserole took hours to make. Spoiler: it didn’t.
If you’re dairy-free, you can experiment with alternatives, but nothing quite replaces the richness of real cheese in a dish like this. It’s the glue that pulls everything together.
And if you’re into bold, cheesy casseroles like I am, you’d also love this keto diet chicken thigh recipe—crispy, creamy, and keto to the core. Another favorite when I want variety is this healthy beef and pepper rice bowl (just swap in cauliflower rice!).
Cooking Method & Moisture Control for a Perfect Keto Casserole
Steaming, Not Soaking: Handling Broccoli the Right Way
One of the most common keto casserole mistakes is ending up with a watery mess. That’s why moisture control is key. The broccoli needs to be tender, not mushy, and that starts with the microwave.
I place the florets in a large microwave-safe bowl, cover them, and nuke for about 5 minutes. Then—this part matters—I let them drain and steam out on paper towels. Skipping this step leads to excess water in your casserole dish, and that’s a one-way ticket to a soggy base.
If you’re using frozen broccoli, it’s even more important to drain it thoroughly after microwaving. You want those florets dry enough that they soak up flavor—not dilute it.
Another trick I’ve learned over time: cut large florets down to 2 inches or smaller. They cook more evenly and distribute better throughout the dish, so every bite has that tender broccoli-cheese-beef combo we love in this keto beef and broccoli casserole.
For those new to keto, yes—broccoli is totally allowed on keto. It’s high in fiber, low in net carbs, and packed with vitamins. Plus, it plays well with just about any cheese, from cheddar to mozzarella to Swiss.
Simmer and Set: Building a Beef Base That Holds Together
Once your beef is browned, the next step is just as important—simmering the sauce. That’s where the casserole gets its depth and structure. I add tomato sauce, finely chopped celery, garlic powder, cayenne, and a good pinch of salt. Then I simmer the mixture for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This not only thickens the sauce naturally—it lets the flavors marry. By the time it hits the casserole dish, the mixture is rich, savory, and thick enough to stay put.
Once the broccoli and beef-tomato mixture are combined in the baking dish, I fold in half the cheddar for an even melt throughout. Then I sprinkle the rest on top and finish with a dusting of parmesan. The bake time is short—just 20 minutes at 375°F—but it’s enough to get a golden, bubbly top that looks and tastes incredible.
For even more baked goodness, I recommend pairing this dish with low carb pizza crust or low carb lemon sorbet to finish your meal on a light note.
Storage, Reheating, and Answers to Your Keto Casserole Questions
Store It Right: Making the Most of Leftovers
One of the best things about this keto beef and broccoli casserole is how well it holds up the next day. Once it’s baked and cooled, I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes storing leftovers much easier.
I transfer individual slices to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to two days. When it’s time to reheat, I either microwave it (covered) or pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The cheese stays melty, the broccoli keeps its bite, and the flavor? Still fantastic.
If you want to get fancy, top your leftovers with a little sour cream or sliced avocado. Or, serve it alongside garlic roasted mushrooms for a low-carb dinner that feels anything but boring.
And if you’re planning meals ahead, this dish is a great part of a weekly keto prep. You can even double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan for bigger portions.
FAQs About Keto Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Can you eat broccoli beef on keto?
Absolutely. Broccoli is one of the most keto-friendly veggies, and when combined with beef and low-carb ingredients, it becomes a staple meal in many keto kitchens. Just make sure your sauce and seasonings don’t include added sugars or starches.
What is a keto thickener for beef stew or casseroles?
Instead of flour or cornstarch, keto recipes rely on simmer reduction to naturally thicken sauces. You can also use tiny amounts of xanthan gum, cream cheese, or even shredded cheese to bind the mixture without adding carbs.
Is beef casserole keto friendly?
It can be, as long as it skips the usual pasta, potatoes, or breadcrumb toppings. This recipe, for instance, uses lean ground beef, tomato sauce, broccoli, and cheese to create a flavorful, satisfying, low-carb meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.
Is broccoli allowed on keto?
Yes! Broccoli is low in net carbs and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s one of the best green vegetables to include in your keto meal plan and works beautifully in baked dishes like this.
Conclusion: Cozy, Keto, and Crave-Worthy
This keto beef and broccoli casserole is everything I love about home cooking—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and the kind of comfort that brings people back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish proves that keto doesn’t mean sacrificing the warmth and heart of a good meal.
It’s become one of my go-to dinners when I need something cozy and quick—right up there with my honey garlic ground beef recipe. They’re both hearty, simple, and endlessly satisfying.
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and hashtag it #foodiecreator. I love seeing your creations and hearing your twists!
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Keto Beef and Broccoli Casserole -Easy, Cheesy & Low-Carb
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy, hearty keto beef and broccoli casserole is packed with flavor and only 5.5g net carbs per serving. Perfect for cozy dinners without the carb crash.
Ingredients
1 pound extra lean ground beef
14-ounce can tomato sauce
6 cups small broccoli florets
1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 large stalk celery, finely chopped
1.5 teaspoons table salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Microwave broccoli until tender (about 5 minutes), then drain and let steam out on paper towels.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chopped celery, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
4. In an 8×8-inch baking dish, combine broccoli, beef mixture, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir well.
5. Top with remaining cheddar and sprinkle parmesan over the top.
6. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and browned.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
Let both broccoli and beef mixture release steam before assembly to avoid sogginess.
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5.5g
- Sodium: 1290mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
