Hearty & Healthy Keto Turkey and Broccoli Bake (Easy & Versatile!)
Enjoy a deliciously simple and incredibly satisfying meal with this Hearty & Healthy Keto Turkey and Broccoli Bake!Finely chopped broccoli florets are sautéed, then combined with seasoned ground turkey and cheese, all bound together by a rich egg and cream mixture, and topped with more melty cheese. This easy, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a comforting family dinner here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (about 4-5 cups) fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (or ground beef/chicken sausage)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), divided
- 8 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (HWC)
- Your choice of seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder (to taste, about ½ tsp each salt & garlic powder, ¼ tsp pepper)
- Cooking spray or butter (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- Blender or food processor
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease or spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Prepare & Sauté Broccoli: In a blender or food processor, finely chop the broccoli florets until they resemble a coarse rice or crumble.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped broccoli and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender-crisp and warmed through. Set aside.
- Cook Meat: In the same skillet (no need to clean), add the ground turkey. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if needed. Season the cooked turkey with your chosen seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder) to taste.
- Combine Main Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey, sautéed broccoli, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs and 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until well combined.
- Assemble & Bake:
- Transfer the turkey and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the whisked egg and heavy whipping cream mixture evenly over the turkey and broccoli.
- Top the entire casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy this simple and satisfying bake! ❤️
Tips for Success:
- Broccoli Consistency: Finely chopping the broccoli helps it blend seamlessly into the casserole, especially if you have picky eaters!
- Meat Choice: Ground turkey is lean, but ground beef or even a flavorful Italian sausage would also work wonderfully. Adjust seasoning if using seasoned sausage.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: You’re just warming and tenderizing it slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a little sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Custom Seasonings: Add a pinch of onion powder, dried herbs (like oregano or thyme), or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time (without the egg mixture) and stored in the refrigerator, then add the egg mixture and cheese before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Turkey and Broccoli Bake is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the turkey, eggs, and cheese.
- High Fat: Yes, from the butter, heavy whipping cream, and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using non-starchy broccoli and meat.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.