There’s something incredibly satisfying about a skillet meal. I love how it brings together bold flavor, comfort, and convenience all in one pan. This Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet hits every note: juicy seared beef, vibrant green broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce that binds it all together into a meal that’s not only low in carbs but also full of comfort.

When I first started low-carb cooking, I quickly learned that simplicity is key—and that’s exactly what this dish delivers. I make it on nights when I want something hearty but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen forever. It’s quick, loaded with protein, and gives me that cozy, homemade feel without the carb crash.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for anyone watching their carbs.
One-Pan Simplicity: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Fast & Filling: Ready in about 30 minutes and guaranteed to satisfy.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesy beef and broccoli combo.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes fantastic leftovers that reheat like a dream.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet, I usually go with 80/20 ground beef—that’s 80% lean, 20% fat. The fat content adds richness and helps keep the beef juicy while cooking. If you’re aiming for something leaner, you can use 85/15, but I wouldn’t go leaner than that unless you’re adding extra fat elsewhere. The goal is flavor and moisture, and a little fat helps a lot.

Also, if you’re buying in bulk, don’t hesitate to portion and freeze your ground beef. It’s a great way to keep this recipe just a thaw away on a busy night.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty adaptable, which is why I turn to it often. Here are some smart swaps:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Want to lighten things up? Either of these lean meats works well.
Broccoli Alternatives: Try cauliflower florets, zucchini chunks, or even green beans.
Cheese Choices: I use cheddar, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a sharp provolone can add different dimensions.
Dairy-Free?: Use coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Spice it Up: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some kick.

This dish doesn’t demand strict loyalty to its original form—it just asks to be delicious. So mix and match to suit your taste or pantry.

Ingredients for this Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet

Every ingredient in this skillet has a purpose—not just for flavor, but also to keep the dish keto-compliant and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground Beef: The heart of the recipe—rich, savory, and protein-packed.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds fiber, color, and a slight crunch that balances the tender meat.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a creamy, sharp finish to each bite.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory depth with no chopping required.
Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and flavor without the carbs of fresh onion.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance everything else.
Heavy Cream: Helps create a velvety sauce that binds the cheese and meat together.
Butter (optional): A touch of richness if you’re going for a creamier texture or using leaner beef.

These simple ingredients come together fast—but the flavor feels like it took hours.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed, especially if your beef is fattier.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for about a minute with the beef, enhancing the flavor.

Step 3: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the beef cooks, steam or lightly blanch the broccoli until it’s just tender. You want it vibrant and slightly crisp, not mushy. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few minutes with a splash of water.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Broccoli

Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Toss gently to combine and heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Once the cream starts to bubble, reduce the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until everything is melted and well coated. The sauce should cling to the meat and broccoli.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, remove the skillet from heat. Serve immediately while it’s warm, gooey, and packed with flavor.

How Long to Cook the Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet

This dish is wonderfully quick from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

Browning the Beef: 6–8 minutes
Steaming/Blanching Broccoli: 4–5 minutes
Combining and Melting Cheese: 4–6 minutes

Total cook time hovers around 15–20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner needs. The goal is to cook just long enough for the cheese to melt and coat everything—don’t overdo it or your broccoli will get soggy.

Tips for Perfect Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet

Don’t skip seasoning the meat: The garlic and onion powders really boost flavor without carbs.
Keep the broccoli crisp-tender: Overcooked broccoli loses its color and texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and avoids the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded bags.
Control the grease: If using high-fat beef, drain off most of the fat before adding cream and cheese.
Let the cheese melt gradually: Lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping or separating.

Small tweaks like these take this from “quick skillet meal” to “I need seconds now” status.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple skillet meal like this one can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

Using frozen broccoli without thawing: It’ll water down the dish and ruin the texture.
Overcooking the broccoli: Mushy broccoli is a fast way to make this dish feel less fresh.
Not draining excess beef fat: Too much grease can make the sauce separate and feel heavy.
High heat when melting cheese: It can cause the cheese to seize or become grainy.
Under-seasoning: Since this is a minimal-ingredient dish, every seasoning counts.

Staying aware of these can keep your skillet flavorful and balanced every time.

What to Serve With Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet?

While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side or drink can round out the meal beautifully.

Side Salad with Olive Oil & Vinegar

A fresh, crisp green salad adds contrast and a touch of acidity.

Avocado Slices

Creamy, nutrient-rich avocado works great with the cheesy beef.

Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy and umami-rich mushrooms make a delicious low-carb side.

Fried or Poached Egg

A runny yolk on top adds richness and makes it feel like brunch.

Pickled Veggies

Something tangy and crunchy like pickled cucumbers or radishes can cut through the creaminess.

Cauliflower Mash

This buttery substitute for potatoes pairs well with the savory skillet.

Bone Broth or Light Soup

A small bowl of broth as a starter keeps the meal warm and comforting.

This skillet is flexible—keep it keto or mix it up for your guests!

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet is how well it stores. It’s ideal for leftovers or weekly meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if it needs loosening.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the broccoli may soften more after thawing. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Avoid high heat when reheating to keep the cheese sauce smooth and the broccoli from turning mushy.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings total):

Calories: 470
Protein: 28g
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 4g

These values can shift slightly depending on the brand of ingredients or cheese you use, but it stays comfortably low-carb and high-fat—perfect for keto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture since it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can make sauces gritty.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can, but be sure to thaw and drain it completely first. Otherwise, it will release water into the skillet and dilute your sauce.

What other meats can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork are great substitutes. Just note that leaner meats may need a little extra fat (like butter or oil) for richness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. This dish keeps well in the fridge or freezer and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

How do I make it creamier?

Add an extra splash of heavy cream or a little cream cheese to the skillet while melting the cheddar. It thickens the sauce beautifully.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes! Cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers all work. Just be mindful of carb counts if you’re strictly keto.

How do I spice it up?

Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a mild to fiery kick—your choice.

What’s the best way to clean the skillet afterward?

If cheese has stuck to the pan, soak it with warm water and a bit of dish soap for 15–20 minutes. A soft scrubber will do the rest.

Conclusion

This Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet has become one of my weeknight staples—not just because it’s fast, but because it checks every box for flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re deep into keto or just looking for a hearty low-carb dinner that satisfies, this dish is a reliable, cheesy go-to that doesn’t cut corners on taste.

Now that you’ve got every tip and trick in hand, give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen too.

Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet

Author: Emily Carter
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s low in carbs but high in flavor and comfort.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or steamed until crisp-tender)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter (optional, especially for leaner meat)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
While the beef cooks, steam or microwave the broccoli until just tender.
Add broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy.
Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes