Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium head cauliflower, grated or riced; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I love whipping up quick and satisfying meals, and this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet has become a staple in my kitchen. It's a deliciously comforting dish that combines savory beef with light cauliflower rice, creating a nutritious and low-carb option that everyone enjoys. On busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe is a lifesaver, ensuring I can serve my family a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors blend beautifully, making it hard to believe it's healthy too!

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-02-27T20:05:35.071Z

When I first tried making this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet, I was skeptical about how cauliflower could replace rice. But after the first bite, my doubts vanished! The cauliflower absorbs all the juices and spices from the beef, resulting in a surprisingly flavorful dish that feels hearty yet light.

I found that adding a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end gives it an extra pop of flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables into our meals without anyone noticing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy one-pan meal for busy weeknights
Low-carb alternative packed with protein and fiber
Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies

Mastering the Cook Timing

A crucial aspect of preparing this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is mastering the cook times for each ingredient. When cooking the ground beef, aim for a medium heat; a higher temperature might burn the beef before it’s adequately browned. You want it to develop a nice, caramelized crust, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and don't hesitate to adjust the heat if you notice any smoking or sizzling too aggressively.

Once the beef is browned, the vegetables come next. Sauté them just until tender, around five minutes, stirring frequently. This step is essential for building flavor, as the onions should become transparent and slightly sweet. The vibrant colors of the bell pepper and the fragrant garlic will signal when your mix is ready for the next step.

The Role of Cauliflower Rice

Using riced cauliflower not only makes this dish low-carb but also absorbs the flavors of the seasonings effectively. Ensure your cauliflower is finely riced to mimic the texture of traditional rice. If you find the riced cauliflower too chunky, pulse it a bit more in a food processor before adding it to the skillet. Once incorporated with the beef and veggies, allow it to cook covered for 8-10 minutes; this steaming process helps it to soften without becoming mushy, retaining a nice bite.

If you’re new to cauliflower rice, you might be surprised by its versatility. It soaks up flavors beautifully and can absorb the soy sauce without becoming too salty if you use the right amount. For added interesting textures and flavors, consider mixing in a handful of peas or diced carrots along with the cauliflower during the cooking phase.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium head cauliflower, grated or riced
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure to chop all your vegetables before you start cooking for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your dish:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.

Incorporate Cauliflower Rice

Add the grated cauliflower to the skillet and mix well. Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine. Cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add more vegetables according to your taste!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of sesame oil or a splash of sriracha for some heat.

Customizing Your Skillet

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the bell pepper for any color of pepper or even zucchini, which can add moisture and balance the dish. If you have leftover cooked vegetables, this is a great opportunity to toss them in to enhance nutrition while minimizing waste. Also, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative without significantly altering the dish's overall flavor profile.

For a little kick, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices when sautéing the vegetables. If you're aiming for more depth of flavor, substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.

Storing and Reheating

If you find that this comforting skillet dish yields more than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry! It stores very well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember not to let it sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours, as that can promote bacterial growth.

When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave, as this helps rediscover that delicious texture. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth to create steam and revive the dish without drying it out. This technique will ensure your leftovers retain the same satisfying quality as when fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works well and can save you time on prep!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a completely gluten-free meal.

→ Can I substitute ground beef for another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be good alternatives for a lighter version.