Easy Cheesy Keto Casserole TO Feed Your Entire Family
EASY CHEESY KETO CASSEROLE TO FEED YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 950 calories per serving. Recipe by Katherine Michelle on YouTube.
Prep: 31 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 21 min
Cost: $15.90 total, $2.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean (80/20) ground beef)
- 1 pound Pork Sausage (Jimmy Dean hot sausage for a little kick)
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese (full‑fat block, softened in microwave)
- 0.75 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for a rich cheese sauce)
- 2 bag Frozen Broccoli (approx. 16 oz each; steam in microwave then squeeze excess moisture)
- 2.5 teaspoon Garlic Paste (chunky garlic paste; can use minced garlic instead)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for seasoning the meat)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- to taste Salt (pink salt used in the video)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the other components.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Steam Frozen Broccoli
Place the two bags of frozen broccoli in the microwave and cook according to package instructions (about 5‑6 minutes). Let cool 1 minute, then gently squeeze the bag to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT6M
Brown Ground Beef and Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and pork sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 8‑10 minutes. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of pink salt. Drain any excess fat.
Time: PT10M
Layer Broccoli and Meat
In the 9×13 glass baking dish, spread the drained broccoli evenly. Top with the cooked ground beef and sausage mixture.
Time: PT3M
Make Cheese Sauce
In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the 8‑oz block of cream cheese and microwave for about 1 minute, or until softened. Stir in 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 cup shredded Parmesan, 2‑3 teaspoons garlic paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT4M
Combine Sauce with Casserole
Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli‑meat layer in the baking dish. Using a spatula, gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add Mozzarella Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 950
- Protein
- 70g
- Carbohydrates
- 8g
- Fat
- 70g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Keto, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb, High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Meat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Pork Sausage: Italian sausage, spicy chorizo
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchatel cheese, full‑fat Greek yogurt
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half, full‑fat coconut milk
- Instead of Frozen Broccoli: fresh broccoli, steamed
- Instead of Garlic Paste: fresh minced garlic, garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: cheddar, monterey jack
- Instead of Garlic Powder: garlic salt
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- 9×13 Glass Baking Dish
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Oven
- Microwave
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 400°F before assembling.
- Steam and squeeze excess moisture from the frozen broccoli.
- Fully brown and drain the ground beef and sausage.
- Soften the cream cheese completely before making the sauce.
- Bake until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat seasoning.
- Use fresh broccoli florets if you have time; they give a brighter texture.
- Mix half of the mozzarella into the sauce and reserve the rest for topping for extra meltiness.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is watery after baking.
Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the steamed broccoli and fully drain the cooked meat. You can also bake an extra 5‑10 minutes uncovered.
Cheese topping isn’t browning.
Place the dish under the broiler for 2‑3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Sauce is grainy.
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing; microwave a few seconds longer if needed and whisk vigorously.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The cheese sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat gently before pouring over the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of keto casseroles in American low‑carb cuisine?
Keto casseroles became popular in the United States as part of the low‑carb, high‑fat diet movement that gained momentum in the early 2010s. They combine comfort‑food formats like casseroles with keto‑friendly ingredients, allowing people to enjoy familiar dishes while staying in ketosis.
What are the traditional regional variations of broccoli casserole in American cuisine?
Traditional American broccoli casseroles often use a creamy cheese sauce and may include rice or noodles. In low‑carb adaptations, the starches are omitted and higher‑fat cheeses are emphasized, as seen in this keto version with beef and sausage for added protein.
How is Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole traditionally served in American keto households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often paired with a simple green salad or roasted low‑carb vegetables. Some families garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
What occasions or celebrations is Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole commonly associated with in the United States?
Because it’s a hearty, crowd‑pleasing dish, it’s popular for weeknight family dinners, pot‑lucks, and even low‑carb holiday gatherings where a comforting casserole is desired without the carbs.
What makes Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole special or unique in American keto cuisine?
The combination of two meats (ground beef and spicy pork sausage) with a rich cream‑cheese sauce and plenty of broccoli provides a balanced macro profile—high protein, high fat, and very low carbs—while still delivering the classic cheesy casserole texture.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a broccoli casserole versus acceptable keto substitutes?
Traditional recipes often use a béchamel sauce, flour, and sometimes rice or noodles. In this keto version, flour and starches are replaced with cream cheese and heavy cream, and the sauce is thickened by the cheese rather than a roux.
What other American low‑carb dishes pair well with Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole?
A crisp Caesar salad made with a keto‑friendly dressing, roasted cauliflower steaks, or a side of sautéed green beans with garlic complement the richness of the casserole nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole?
Common errors include not removing excess water from the broccoli, over‑crowding the skillet which prevents proper browning of the meat, and under‑softening the cream cheese which leads to a grainy sauce. Follow the critical steps to avoid these pitfalls.
Why does this Keto Broccoli Beef Sausage Casserole recipe use cream cheese and heavy cream instead of a flour‑based roux?
Cream cheese and heavy cream provide the necessary thickness and richness without adding carbs. A flour‑based roux would increase the carbohydrate count, which defeats the purpose of a keto‑friendly dish.
What does the YouTube channel Katherine Michelle specialize in?
The YouTube channel Katherine Michelle focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals with an emphasis on low‑carb, keto, and healthy cooking. Katherine often shares practical tips for busy home cooks and showcases simple, flavorful recipes.
How does the YouTube channel Katherine Michelle's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Katherine Michelle prioritizes minimal prep time and uses readily available grocery items, like frozen broccoli and pre‑seasoned sausage, making her recipes especially accessible for beginners. She also incorporates clear visual cues and personal anecdotes, creating a more relatable cooking experience.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
