1. Prep the Broccoli

To retain the broccoli’s bright green color and crisp texture, blanch it before adding it to the casserole. Here’s how:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes.

• Afterward, immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process.

• Drain the broccoli thoroughly and set it aside. This step ensures the broccoli stays crisp when baked in the casserole.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture and return it to the skillet.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Once the sauce is smooth, fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Begin layering the casserole:

• First, spread the cooked brown rice (if using) evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

• Next, layer the cooked ground beef and cheese sauce mixture over the rice.

• Finally, arrange the blanched broccoli florets evenly on top of the beef mixture.

• Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the broccoli.

5. Add the Topping

For the topping, you can choose between crispy fried onions or a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture. If using fried onions, sprinkle the entire cup over the casserole. For the panko option, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. For an extra crispy top, switch to the broiler setting for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Pro Tips:

• Prevent Sogginess: Make sure the broccoli is thoroughly drained after blanching to avoid any excess moisture in the casserole.

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier flavor, or add mozzarella for a stretchier, cheesier texture.

• Meal Prep: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it, covering it with foil, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.