Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Hotdish

This hearty Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Hotdish transports me back to frigid Minnesota winters when my grandmother would serve steaming casseroles straight from the oven. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender broccoli, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting one-dish meal that satisfies the whole family while keeping your kitchen routine simple.

I first created this recipe during a particularly harsh winter when I needed something that would stretch our grocery budget and please everyone at the table. It quickly became our Thursday night tradition when activities left little time for elaborate cooking.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor; use 85/15 for best taste without excess grease
• Broccoli: Adds vibrant color and nutrition; blanch fresh florets for best texture
• Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a silky base without fussy sauce-making
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami depth that enhances the beef flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Forms that irresistible golden crust; use sharp for more pronounced flavor
• Cooked rice or egg noodles: Bulks up the dish; choose rice for a firmer texture or noodles for comfort

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the aromatics:

Heat your olive oil until it shimmers before adding the onions and garlic. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent but not browned. This gentle cooking releases their sweetness without any harsh bite.

Brown the beef:

Add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Let it develop a deep brown color before stirring too much. This caramelization creates rich flavor compounds that make the final dish taste more complex and satisfying.

Create the sauce base:

When combining the cream of mushroom soup with milk, whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. The addition of Worcestershire and paprika transforms basic ingredients into something special. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings at this point.

Incorporate the components:

Fold your broccoli and rice or noodles gently into the mixture to maintain some texture. Overworking the mixture can make the broccoli mushy and the starches gummy. Use a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring.

Layer and top:

Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish, pressing slightly to eliminate air pockets but not compacting too firmly. The cheese should cover the entire surface to create that perfect golden crust everyone fights over.

Bake to perfection:

Watch for bubbling around the edges as your indicator of doneness. The breadcrumb topping should become golden brown but not dark. Allow the casserole to rest after baking so the sauce can set slightly for cleaner serving.

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My grandmother always insisted on using Wisconsin sharp cheddar for this dish. She would say the tangy bite of aged cheese balanced the richness of the beef and creaminess of the sauce. Though it seemed like an unnecessary detail when I was younger, I now understand how that one ingredient elevates the entire casserole.

Make-Ahead Strategies

This hotdish shines as a make-ahead meal. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add about 10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients. For freezing, cool the fully assembled but unbaked casserole completely, wrap in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Upgrade Options

Transform this home-style classic with thoughtful additions. Sautéed mushrooms intensify the earthy flavors and add meaty texture. A handful of frozen corn kernels introduces pleasant sweetness and color contrast. For heat lovers, a diced jalapeño or teaspoon of red pepper flakes worked into the beef mixture creates a warming background note without overwhelming the dish. My personal favorite upgrade is stirring in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the soup mixture for tangy complexity.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any sauce left on the plate. For casual gatherings, serve alongside pickled vegetables for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. When entertaining, elevate the presentation by serving individual portions in ramekins with a fresh herb garnish.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this hotdish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The breadcrumb topping is best added just before baking for maximum crispness.

→ What's the best cheese to use for this hotdish?

Medium or sharp cheddar works best for its melting properties and flavor that complements the beef and broccoli. For variety, try a combination of cheddar and monterey jack, or add a small amount of parmesan to the topping for extra flavor depth.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.

→ Can I freeze this hotdish?

Yes, this freezes well. Either freeze the entire unbaked casserole (without breadcrumb topping) or portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for best results.

→ What sides pair well with this hotdish?

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete Midwestern meal, serve with pickles and a simple fruit-based dessert.

→ How can I make this hotdish healthier?

Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese, and increase the amount of broccoli. Consider using brown rice or whole grain pasta for added fiber. You can also skip the breadcrumb topping or use crushed whole grain crackers instead.