yield: 6 servings
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes
This Southern girl loves casseroles! This dish is a favorite around here for sure. How can you go wrong with a casserole that has a creamy cheese-laden white sauce in it?
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen broccoli
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onions and garlic, crumbling the meat with a large spoon as it cooks, until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Drain the fat, if necessary. Set aside.
3. Cook the broccoli according to the package directions, then drain well.
4. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Place the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese in a small saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until melted and blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, gently stir together the beef mixture, broccoli, and sauce. Spread this mixture in the greased baking dish and top evenly with the mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes, if using.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly browned. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
