If Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet sounds like the kind of dinner that saves your sanity on a weeknight… hi, welcome, you’re in the right kitchen. This is that magical one-pan meal that feels comfort-food cozy but still keeps things low-carb and totally doable—even if you’re running on coffee and pure determination.
It’s beefy, cheesy, creamy, and packed with broccoli so you can tell yourself, “Look at me, making balanced choices!” (While also eating melted cheddar. We love growth.)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
Let me count the ways—because honestly, this is the recipe equivalent of sweatpants that still look cute:
- One pan = fewer dishes. The dream.
- Fast enough for real life. We’re talking about 30 minutes-ish, including the “Where is my spatula?” moment.
- Picky-eater friendly. It’s cheesy. It’s beefy. It’s familiar. (Broccoli is basically just along for the ride.)
- Keto comfort food vibes. Cream + cheddar = cozy bowl energy.
- Great for meal prep. It reheats like a champ and doesn’t turn into a sad lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet—and why each one matters (because I’m the kind of cook who likes to know why we’re doing things, not just what to do).
- Ground beef – The hearty, savory base. Browning it well builds big flavor.
- Broccoli florets – Crisp-tender bites, fiber, and color. Plus it balances the richness.
- Onion (diced) – Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- Garlic (minced) – Warm, savory goodness. The “don’t skip me” ingredient.
- Olive oil – Helps everything cook evenly and keeps things from sticking.
- Salt + black pepper – Brings all the flavors into focus.
- Garlic powder + onion powder – Backup flavor boosters that season every bite.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded) – Melts into a dreamy blanket and ties it all together.
- Heavy cream – Turns the skillet into a creamy, luscious situation.
- Worcestershire sauce (optional) – Adds that little umami “what is that amazing flavor?” note.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick if you’re feeling sassy.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet (Step-by-Step)
This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superhero without requiring superhero energy.
1) Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until deeply browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes.
Aneta tip: Let the beef sit for a bit before stirring so it gets those golden-brown bits. That’s where the flavor lives.
2) Sauté onion and garlic
Push the beef to one side of the skillet (like you’re making room on the couch). Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the empty space. Cook about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and the garlic smells amazing.
3) Add broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets, tossing them with the beef mixture so everything mingles. Let the broccoli sauté for about 1 minute to soak up those beefy juices.
4) Season like you mean it
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well so every bite gets seasoned.
5) Cover and cook
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, until broccoli is tender but still crisp. Stir halfway through so it cooks evenly.
If your broccoli is stubborn: Add a tiny splash of water (1–2 tablespoons) before covering to help steam it along.
6) Make it creamy
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (aka free flavor).
Let the cream warm and thicken slightly.
7) Add cheese heaven
Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
8) Optional upgrades
If using Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, add them now. Stir gently to combine.
9) Serve and enjoy
Remove from heat and serve hot—straight from the pan is totally acceptable here. (In fact, I support it.)
My Favorite Tips for the Best Results
Because sometimes the difference between “pretty good” and “WOW” is one tiny trick:
- Brown the beef well. Don’t rush this. Color = flavor.
- Shred your own cheddar if you can. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly. (Still works, though—no guilt.)
- Keep broccoli crisp-tender. Overcooked broccoli gets mushy and a little… sad. We want bright green and happy.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash more cream (or a tablespoon of water) and stir.
- Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes on low until it thickens up.
And if your cheese looks a little clumpy at first—don’t panic. It’s not broken, it’s just “finding itself.” Keep stirring gently and it’ll smooth out.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet became one of my go-to dinners during those weeks when life felt like a never-ending to-do list. You know the ones: work, laundry, emails, someone needs something, and suddenly it’s 6:30 PM and you’re staring into the fridge like it might offer emotional support.
The first time I made it, I was hoping for “quick and fine.” Instead, my family went back for seconds—especially because of that creamy cheddar situation. Now it’s my reliable backup plan when I need dinner to basically cook itself while I pretend I’m not tired.

FAQs About Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! For Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet, frozen broccoli works great. Just add it straight in, but expect a little extra moisture. If it gets watery, cook uncovered for a couple minutes at the end to reduce the liquid.
Can I swap ground beef for another meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works, but the flavor will be lighter. If you swap, you may want the Worcestershire sauce (optional) for extra depth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet on low or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds.
Can I make it dairy-free?
This one’s tough because the cream and cheddar do heavy lifting. You can try full-fat coconut cream and a dairy-free cheddar alternative, but the flavor and melt will be different.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes—Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is meal-prep friendly. It reheats well and stays satisfying (which is important when lunch needs to keep you from raiding the snack drawer at 3 PM).
Your New Weeknight Go-To
If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and totally doable, Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is here to make dinner feel less like a chore and more like a little win. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty—without a pile of dishes afterward (which honestly deserves its own round of applause).
Make it once, and I have a feeling this Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet will end up in your regular rotation—right next to “breakfast for dinner” and “whatever we can dip in ranch.” Happy cooking!
Keep the One-Pan Magic Going
- If you loved the cozy, cheesy vibe of this skillet, you’ll probably also fall hard for Garlic Butter Chicken Broccoli—it’s the same broccoli comfort, just with buttery chicken goodness.
- Want another low-carb dinner that feels like takeout (but doesn’t wreck your goals)? Try Keto Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake for that creamy, cheesy “seconds, please” energy.
- If you’re on a one-pan kick (same!), this Salsa Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a super easy, flavor-packed option when you’re craving something zesty.
- And when you want that same “hearty bowl” feeling with beef, don’t miss Smash Burger Bowl—it’s like burger night got a cozy, weeknight-friendly makeover.
Before you go, I’d love to hear how your Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet turned out—leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (be honest… but if it made you do a happy little chair-dance, I won’t stop you from giving it five!
Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Keto Hamburger Broccoli Skillet is a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender broccoli, heavy cream, and melted cheddar. This low-carb comfort meal is perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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3 cups broccoli florets
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Sour cream and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
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Push beef to one side. Add diced onion and garlic to the empty space and cook for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in broccoli florets and mix well with the beef.
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Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir halfway through.
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Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes if using.
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Remove from heat and garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded.
Frozen broccoli can be used; cook uncovered at the end if excess moisture appears.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg