Summary:
Like a cross between a cheeseburger and a lasagna, this comforting keto casserole has a rich and cheesy tomato meat sauce with juicy bites of tender broccoli.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef (Note 1)
- 14-ounce can
tomato sauce - 6 cups small broccoli florets (Note 2)
- 1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Note 3)
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (Note 4)
- 1 large stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons table salt
- 1 teaspoon
garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon
ground cayenne
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut any broccoli florets larger than 2 inches into smaller pieces, and add all broccoli to large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until tender, about 5 minutes. Let them drain and steam out on paper towels (Note 5).
- Make Beef-Tomato Mixture: If wet, pat ground beef dry with paper towels. Add beef to large pan over medium heat. Crumbling beef with stiff utensil, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Keeping everything in pan, stir in tomato sauce, celery, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Simmer for at least 10 minutes to thicken sauce (Note 5), stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and let moisture steam out.
- Assemble Casserole: Directly in
8×8 inch baking dish (Note 6), add broccoli, beef-tomato mixture, and half of cheddar cheese, carefully stirring together until well-mixed. Evenly top with remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. - Bake & Cool: Bake uncovered at 375 F until casserole begins bubbling up sides and starts to brown on top, about 20 minutes. Let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Serve (Note 7).
NUTRITION
| Makes 4 Servings |
| Amount Per Serving: |
| Calories 370 (45% from fat) | |
| Total Fat 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat 11g | 53% |
| Cholesterol 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium 1290mg | 54% |
| Net Carb 5.5g | |
| Total Carb 9.5g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 15% |
| Sugars 5.5g | |
| Protein 37g |
PHOTOS
I made this tonight for a family that never agrees on anything for dinner. It was thumbs up from everyone and it was super easy.
This is so delicious and very easy! I used ground turkey. I measured my cheese before weighing and ended up with 4.5 oz cheddar (which was well over two cups) and .75 oz parm. I was happy because it was way less calories that way! This is my second recipe I’ve made of yours. My first was the IP Balsamic Chicken Thighs and that is literally the best thing I cook at home. This second recipe did not disappoint!
DRAIN the beef! That’s the only change to this delicious recipe I made the second time I made it & it was excellent!! My little boys gobbled it up!! Definitely going in our rotation!!
I wanted something different so I made this recipe over the weekend. I did change it according to the ingredients I had. I used several vegetables, fresh herbs and fresh tomatoes, and andouille sausage to make my sauce. I used several cheeses and a plant based meat (Lightlife). I’m not vegan/vegetarian, however I’ve fallen in love with the taste and texture of this brand. Thanks for the idea and I’m glad that I tried it out.😋
I made using canned green beans instead of broccoli. Added sour cream and avocado when serving.
Made this for dinner again tonight first time I made it it was great and I added a onion. This time I made it I used 8 oz tomato sauce and 14 oz can of drained diced tomatoes used a large onion and added about a cup of cottage cheese mixed everything together in the skillet transferred to the baking pan topped with some cheese and parmesan it was awesome hubby and I loved it I was thinking you could really pretty much add any veggies you want to it I will definitely make this again thank you so much for the recipe
Good but extremely salty I would definitely cut back on the salt and I drained the grease from the hamburger!
Same here. We found it too salty, so will cut it back next time. And I also drained the meat. Otherwise, we enjoyed this casserole and will make it again.
I doubled this. I thought it needed some “bulking” so I added a bag of microwaved cauliflower rice. I also added a smidge of fresh onion and omitted the powder. Jarred garlic instead of powder. I also added some dried Italian seasoning and extra oregano. Rao marinara instead of tomato sauce. Some shaker parmesan/romano and grated cheddar. Surprisingly good, and still low carb. The cayenne is a nice touch. Will make again.
I was looking for a recipe that I could use with the few random things in my fridge. I added onion and a lot of red pepper. Also a touch of habanero hot sauce. This recipe rocks!
Was easy to make, when I was short on time. I forgot to put in the celery. I was reviewing the recipe and did not have time to chop it up. So I sprinkled some celery seasoning on top then mixed it in. Was very delicious, also use crushed tomatoes, since I bought the wrong canned goods, still was a nice hearty and flavorful dish. Definitely adding this to my personal favorites list.
I think it’s good, but my husband LOVES this and requests it all the time for meal prep. I do amp up the seasoning a bit, but other than that, I make it as is. Sometimes frozen broccoli, sometimes fresh. I just use what I have. Definitely a staple for us. Need to teach the hubby how to make it!
Do not add any salt, even one tsp ruined the casserole. I also would not precook the broccoli as it just makes it soggy.
Yum, tastes great. Looking back i realized i forgot to add the parmesan cheese. Did not take away from the taste at all.
Way too much table salt in recipe.
Can I make in advance, freeze then bake at a later time?
Wondering the same thing…
Family really liked casserole! Will definitely make again! I used pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper!
Oh my goodness, just made this and it was fantastic, will definitely make again. Thank you so much for sharing.
This was very yummy!!!!
Thanks for sharing, One of our now favorite recipes! I added pepper jack cheddar & onions so yummy!
I made this recipe tonight for dinner. I added some Italian sausage for more flavor, and drained the grease. I also added chopped onions with the meat, and added Worcestershire sauce as well. Yummy!!
Great concept but would definitely not microwave fresh broccoli for 5 minutes turns to mush may as well use frozen if that’s the way you like it!!..And do not add salt you can salt your own food to your taste. Second time making and not overlooking broccoli was great.
I am starting to make this recipe every week because it is so simple, elegant and delicious. I serve it over jasmine rice. I would definately recommend it.
Does this recipe freeze well? I am going in for surgery and trying to make sure my husband has plenty to eat.
Can you use frozen broccoli?
That should be fine. Follow the same instructions regarding cutting them into small florets and microwaving until tender (you might have to microwave longer since it’s frozen).
Hi there
I live in New Zealand. I am not familiar with tinned tomato sauce. Will tinned diced tomatoes be the same? Many thanks
🙂
Tinned diced tomatoes aren’t the same. Tinned tomato sauce is essentially tomato puree which is much thicker, and it’s possible they are not sold in cans in your country.
Try using a basic store bought marinara sauce or a tomato based pasta sauce.