Favorite Broccoli Bake
A hearty baked casserole combining crispy Tater Tots, seasoned beef, broccoli, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to customize with optional toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place potatoes on bottom and sides of an 8 x 12-inch casserole dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Brown the beef in large chunks; drain excess fat.
- Place beef, broccoli, half of the onions, and chopped tomato (if using) in the potato shell.
- Combine cream of celery soup, milk, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and broccoli.
- Bake, covered, at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining cheese and onions.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the soup mixture. If you want to add a bit more nutrition, you can substitute the frozen broccoli with fresh steamed broccoli. You can also use different types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your preference. If you have leftover beef, it can be used in other beef recipes like Paula'S Hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. For a heartier side, consider making Jimmy Mcgowan'S Famous Chili to complement the flavors of the broccoli bake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover broccoli bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just make sure to cover it well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Broccoli Bake contains roughly 430 calories, with 21g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broccoli bake up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to maintain the texture while keeping it meat-free.
What other toppings can I use instead of Durkee onions?
If you prefer, you can use crispy fried shallots or even toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. You could also add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).