Go Back

Creamy Keto Hamburger & Broccoli Skillet

A fast, one-pan keto dinner with seasoned ground beef and tender-crisp broccoli in a rich heavy cream and sharp cheddar sauce, ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 for richer sauce; drain thoroughly if using leaner blend
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from a block
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Box grater for cheese

Method
 

  1. Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking into small crumbles, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder over the meat. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened slightly.
  6. Add the pre-steamed broccoli and toss gently until the florets are coated in the cream sauce and evenly distributed.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately from the skillet.

Notes

Smooth Sauce: Always shred cheese from a block. Add it off the heat or over very low heat. If the sauce separates, add a tablespoon of cold cream and stir vigorously. Frozen Broccoli: Thaw and squeeze completely dry before using. Skip the microwave step. Add directly to the cream sauce step. Cream Sauce Too Thin: Simmer uncovered on medium-low for 1 more minute before adding cheese. The sauce thickens further when the cheese melts in. Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a small splash of heavy cream before reheating to restore sauce consistency. Does not freeze well. Low-Carb Serving Ideas: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for extra volume without added carbs.