If you're searching for a comfort food recipe that combines hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients, look no further than the "Simple for Scotty Hot Meat Broccoli Bake." This delightful American casserole is not only easy to prepare but also packed with deliciousness that will have your family asking for seconds. With layers of seasoned ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any table. Ready to impress your loved ones with a meal that’s both satisfying and simple? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become a favorite in your household!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbs. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk, whisking until smooth and well-blended.
- Layer the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the base.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef over the rice layer, creating an even distribution.
- Arrange fresh broccoli florets on top of the beef layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring it covers most surfaces.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow cheese to slightly crisp and brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chop the broccoli and cook the rice a day before, so all you have to do is assemble the dish when you're ready to bake.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you add more moisture-rich veggies.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Mixing cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of your bake.
- Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier while enhancing the overall flavor.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave. It makes for a quick and delicious lunch option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg