Savory Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet That’s Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
This savory ground beef cauliflower skillet is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (Ground turkey is a lighter alternative)
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (Pre-riced cauliflower saves time)
- 1 medium yellow onion (Shallots can be used for a milder flavor)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (Substitute with zucchini for different texture)
- 2 cloves garlic (Adjust the amount for a milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Diced tomatoes can add moisture)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (Use cumin for a milder option)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Regular paprika can be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (This can be omitted for a lighter taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Sea salt enhances flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Coconut oil is a great alternative)
- Optional toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (Elevates dish’s flavor)
- 1 medium sliced avocado (Creamy addition)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (For garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower rice by pulsing the cauliflower florets in a food processor until it resembles rice. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Step 5: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Step 6: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the vegetables and spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Swap red bell pepper with zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
- Adjust the spices to your heat preference by reducing chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top for brightness before serving.
- To keep it dairy-free and vegan, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed lentils.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through to maintain the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of pre-riced?
Yes, simply pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. This fresh option works great and tastes just as good.
Is this dish suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Absolutely! Using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice makes this a low-carb, keto-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor or texture.
PrintSavory Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet That’s Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Savory Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Lean ground beef is combined with riced cauliflower and a medley of spices for a low-carb, hearty meal. Enhanced with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and green onions, this skillet dinner is perfect for a healthy weeknight option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (Ground turkey as a lighter alternative)
- 4 cups riced cauliflower (pre-riced for convenience)
- 1 medium yellow onion (shallots can substitute for mildness)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (zucchini for alternative texture)
- 2 cloves garlic (adjust quantity as desired)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (diced tomatoes can add moisture)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (cumin for a milder option)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt preferred)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (coconut oil alternative)
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 medium sliced avocado
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Riced Cauliflower: Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like texture. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender but still firm.
- Combine and Finish: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and thoroughly mix with vegetables and cauliflower. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the skillet mixture onto plates and top with optional garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter meal.
- Substitute zucchini for red bell pepper for varied texture.
- Adjust garlic and chili powder amounts to your preferred taste level.
- Using pre-riced cauliflower saves prep time.
- Opt for sea salt for enhanced flavor over regular table salt.
- Drain excess fat from ground beef to reduce overall fat content.
- Top with fresh herbs and avocado to boost nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: ground beef skillet, cauliflower rice recipe, low carb dinner, quick beef recipes, healthy skillet meals

