Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder (Hearty and Cheesy)

A Hearty Chowder Made Easy

Some recipes become family favorites because they are easy to prepare, hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites, and delicious enough to bring everyone back for seconds. My Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder checks all three boxes!

This comforting chowder combines ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli in savory beef broth, with cheesy flavor from a box of au gratin potatoes. It was a favorite in our house, especially when I needed to feed a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen.

But this recipe wasn’t just for home meals. It earned a special place on many of our hunting and camping trips. The ingredients were easy to pack, and a little preparation ahead of time made mealtime simple. I could brown the ground beef and onions the night before, then let the slow cooker do most of the work while we enjoyed the day.

Imagine returning from an afternoon in the woods to a warm, hearty chowder waiting for you! That’s the kind of meal that makes an outdoor adventure even more memorable.

Whether you make it on the stovetop for a weeknight supper or use your slow cooker on a busy day, this easy chowder brings hearty flavor and comfort to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder

• Easy ingredients: Ground beef, boxed au gratin potatoes, broth, and a few vegetables make one satisfying meal.
• Hearty and filling: Beef, potatoes, carrots, and broccoli make every bowl comforting.
• Simple preparation: A little chopping and browning are all you need to get started.
• Perfect for busy days: Prepare the beef and onions ahead of time, then finish the chowder on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.

With cooler fall days here and winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to add a few easy, satisfying soups to your meal rotation. Visit my Conquering Soups and Stews: A Beginner’s Guide for helpful tips and my delicious Easy Beefy Mac Soup recipe. It’s another hearty favorite your family will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chowder uses simple ingredients to create a hearty meal without a long list of seasonings or a separate cheese sauce.

• Ground beef and onion: These provide the chowder’s savory foundation. Brown them together, drain the excess grease, then add them to the pot.
• Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes: The potato slices and included cheese mix provide potatoes and cheesy flavor without needing a separate cheese sauce.
• Carrots and broccoli: These vegetables add color, flavor, and texture to the chowder.
• Beef broth: This creates the savory base and brings the ingredients together.
• Dry mustard, sea salt, and black pepper: These simple seasonings complement the beef and cheese flavors.

How to Make Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder

I love sharing recipes that prove you don’t have to be an experienced cook to put a delicious meal on the table. This chowder is a wonderful example! With a few simple steps, even a beginning cook can prepare a hearty meal the family will enjoy.

My Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder Recipe

Now that you’ve seen how simple it is to prepare, let’s get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the recipe card below, and you’ll be on your way to a pot of hearty, cheesy chowder.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just learning the ropes, this recipe is worth adding to your collection.

Tips for Making the Best Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder

A few simple tips will help you get the best results every time.

• Cut the carrots evenly. Similar-sized pieces will cook more evenly.
• Check the vegetables before serving. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your carrot pieces and the potato product you use.
• Want a creamier chowder? The original recipe contains no milk or butter. If you prefer a richer finish, stir in a little milk or butter to taste.
• Adjust the broccoli. Add more or less broccoli to suit your family’s preferences.

Slow Cooker Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder

I made this chowder so often because it fit so easily into our hunting and camping trips. A little preparation the night before meant we could enjoy a hot meal after a long afternoon outdoors.

No matter what adventure we had planned, my family and friends always found a way to make mealtime special. I learned to prepare as much as possible ahead of time so I could enjoy the day instead of spending it in the kitchen. To us, a memorable meal was part of what made those adventures unforgettable.

You can bring that same convenience to your own kitchen with these slow cooker tips.

1. Prepare the beef and onion. Brown them in a skillet, drain the excess grease, and refrigerate promptly in a shallow container.
2. Get the slow cooker ready. When you’re ready to cook, add the refrigerated beef mixture and the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Do not leave perishable ingredients sitting at room temperature or use a delayed start.
3. Add the potatoes, broth, carrots, and seasonings. Add the au gratin potato slices and cheese mix, then stir to combine.
4. Cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Use the LOW or HIGH setting according to your slow cooker’s instructions, and allow enough time for the ingredients to heat through and become tender. Cooking times will vary by appliance and the amount of ingredients. Cook on LOW for about 6 hours and on HIGH for about 3 hours.
5. Add the broccoli toward the end. This helps preserve its texture and color. If you’re going to be away for several hours, you can steam the broccoli separately and stir it into the fully cooked chowder when you return.

I usually preferred cooking on LOW and planned the start of the meal around our expected return time. By the time everyone had washed up and toasted the bread, supper was ready to serve!

A little planning goes a long way. You can spend more time enjoying your day and less time worrying about what to put on the table.

What to Serve with Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder

A hearty chowder deserves a good slice of bread. Bread is perfect for soaking up that savory broth, and a simple salad is a lovely addition.

One of my favorite pairings is my upcoming Easy Beer Batter Bread. This simple homemade bread will make a wonderful companion to this beefy, cheesy chowder.

In the meantime, here are a few other serving ideas:

• Garlic bread: A flavorful choice for dipping into the broth.
• Cornbread: A comforting side that pairs beautifully with a hearty soup.
• Breadsticks: Easy to serve alongside individual bowls.
• Simple green salad: Fresh greens add a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
• Fruit salad: A light, refreshing option when you want something sweet alongside supper.

Chowder, salad, and bread make a satisfying meal without much extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beefy Broccoli Chowder ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chowder a day ahead and refrigerate it promptly in a covered, shallow container. For the best broccoli texture, you can also prepare the chowder without the broccoli and add it when reheating.

To reheat, transfer the chowder to an oven-safe dish, cover it, and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, stirring as needed. Allow extra time if you refrigerated the chowder. Check that it reaches 165°F in the center before serving.

If the chowder has thickened during refrigeration, stir in a little warm beef broth to loosen it without losing that savory flavor.

Can I make this chowder in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! The slow cooker is a convenient option, especially on busy days. Follow the slow cooker tips above, and let the potatoes and carrots soften. Add the broccoli near the end of cooking, or steam it separately and stir it in before serving.

Can I make the chowder creamier?

Yes. The original recipe doesn’t call for milk or butter, but you can add a little of either for a richer, creamier chowder. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

A Hungry Family Favorite

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning an easy weeknight supper, or looking forward to a hearty meal after a day outdoors, this Easy Beefy Broccoli Chowder is a recipe worth keeping close.

It’s simple, filling, and full of comforting flavor, without a long ingredient list or hours of prep. That’s the kind of cooking I love to share here at Blissful Foods Plus.

So, grab your Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get a comforting pot of chowder on the table. Because sometimes, the simplest meals become the ones we remember most—and the ones that bring everyone back for another bowl!

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