Meat And Broccoli: Perfect Pairings For Cheesy Veggie Delights

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination, but what meat goes well with it? Broccoli and cheese pair well with leaner meats like turkey, chorizo, and ham. Bacon is another great option to pair with broccoli and cheese as it adds a savoury flavour and a boost of protein. If you're looking for something a little different, pepperoni is a sweet and meaty option that balances out the bitterness of broccoli. For those watching their weight, chicken and turkey are leaner options that are also high in protein. Beef is also a good choice for casseroles and stews, but its strong flavour can be overpowering.

Beef and broccoli

This is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. Simply cut your broccoli into small florets, and slice your beef into thin strips. Stir-fry the beef in a wok or large pan, then add the broccoli and your choice of stir-fry sauce. Serve with rice or noodles for a tasty and satisfying meal.

For a heartier option, try a beef and broccoli casserole. This dish combines ground beef, broccoli, and cheese for a comforting and filling meal. You can also add other ingredients like rice, onions, and mushrooms to create a more complex dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet, cook the beef and onion in oil until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the excess oil. Add seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. In a baking dish, layer cooked broccoli, then spoon the meat mixture on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, and bake until heated through.

Broccoli-Cheddar Beef Rolls

This recipe takes a bit more preparation but is sure to impress. You'll need lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Cook the beef, broccoli, and onion in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink, then add salt and pepper to taste. Hollow out some rolls, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell, and fill them with the beef and broccoli mixture. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake until heated through and melted.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Broccoli

This low-carb option is perfect for those following a keto diet. You'll need ground beef, fresh or frozen broccoli, garlic, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese of your choice. Season and brown the ground beef in a large pot, then set aside. Add the broccoli to the pan and cook until tender. Return the ground beef to the pan, along with the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from the heat, top with shredded cheese, and cover until melted.

Bacon and broccoli

Bacon has a savoury, salty flavour that perfectly complements the slight bitterness of broccoli. Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and has a distinct flavour profile that can be enhanced by cooking methods. When raw, it has a crunchy texture and a vegetal, slightly sweet and bitter taste. Cooking methods like steaming, sautéing, roasting, or grilling can bring out a sweeter taste and a tender, crisp, or crunchy texture.

One mouth-watering dish that brings bacon and broccoli together is Broccoli Salad with Bacon. This salad features raw broccoli florets, bacon bits, and a tangy dressing. The crispness of the raw broccoli and the crunch of the bacon provide a delightful textural contrast, while the dressing ties everything together.

For a heartier option, you can create a Bacon and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Fry up some bacon until crispy, then add in your broccoli florets and toss them together in a savoury sauce. Serve this stir-fry on a bed of rice or noodles for a filling and flavourful meal.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls are a fun and creative way to enjoy this dynamic duo. Hollow out some bread rolls, fill them with a cheesy bacon and broccoli mixture, and bake them until melted and golden. These rolls are perfect for a casual gathering or a comforting weeknight meal.

And let's not forget the classic: Bacon, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole. This casserole combines the savoury goodness of bacon, the creamy texture of cheese, and the slight bitterness of broccoli. Baked to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.

Ham and broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet and bitter flavour when raw, but when cooked, it becomes tender and sweeter. The florets and stalk are both edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as steaming, sautéing, stir-frying, roasting, grilling, or puréeing.

Ham, on the other hand, is a type of cured pork that has a distinct smoky flavour. It is often sliced and served cold, but it can also be diced or chopped and added to dishes. When paired with broccoli, the smokiness of the ham complements the earthy and nutty flavours of the vegetable.

Cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the combination. There are many types of cheese that can be used, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. When melted, cheese helps to bind the ingredients together and creates a comforting, indulgent dish.

One way to combine these ingredients is to create a casserole. This can be done by layering cooked broccoli with diced ham and shredded cheese in a baking dish and baking it in the oven until heated through and bubbly. Another option is to create a stuffed dish, such as a chicken breast stuffed with broccoli, ham, and cheese, or a bread roll stuffed with the same ingredients.

The versatility of these ingredients means that they can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to soups and stir-fries. The smoky flavour of ham and the earthy notes of broccoli create a satisfying combination that can be enhanced by the addition of cheese.

Chicken and broccoli

One recipe idea is to make a chicken and broccoli lasagna. You can also stuff chicken breasts with broccoli and cheese, or make chicken cordon bleu rolls. Chicken and broccoli can also be added to macaroni and cheese, or served as a simple stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of cheese, shredded

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
• Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and broccoli and stir until the cheese is melted and well combined.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles, or as is.

Tuna and broccoli

Tuna Broccoli Sauté

If you're short on time, this tuna broccoli sauté is a great option. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare and cook, and is packed with flavour. Simply sauté onions and garlic, add tuna, peppers, and broccoli, and season with salt and pepper. It's a quick and easy way to get your fish and vegetable fix.

Broccoli Avocado Tuna Bowl

For a more substantial meal, try this broccoli avocado tuna bowl. With just 7 simple ingredients, this bowl is a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner. Sauté onions, broccoli, and avocado, then add tuna, tamari/soy sauce, and sunflower seeds. Serve with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and protein.

Broccoli Tuna Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option, this broccoli tuna salad is a tasty choice. It's a simple blend of tuna, broccoli rice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, and sunflower seeds. You can eat it straight from the bowl, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves. It's a great make-ahead option, as it lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Customisation

All of these recipes can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli, or even pulse it into a rice-like consistency. You can also experiment with different types of tuna and seasonings. Add some extra crunch with roasted salted sunflower seeds, or keep it raw.

Frequently asked questions