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Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls Delight

by on February 12, 2025

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If you’re craving a bold and tasty meal, look no further! Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls combine juicy beef, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices for a satisfying dish. This recipe is all about flavor without the carbs, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Follow along as I break down each step, from prepping to garnishing, ensuring you get a delicious bowl every time.

- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by ricing the cauliflower. You can use a food processor or a box grater. Both methods work well, but I prefer the food processor for speed. Once riced, set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about two minutes until they smell great. Now it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed. After that, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the spices blend into the beef. In another pan, pour a little olive oil. Sauté the riced cauliflower over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it tender but not mushy. Check the texture by tasting a small bit and season with salt and pepper. Now, taste the beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning if it needs more flavor. To serve, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef for a hearty meal. Finally, add some color and flavor. Sprinkle diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves on top. This not only looks good but also adds extra taste to your dish. To get crispy ground beef, you need high heat. Start with a hot skillet. Add the olive oil first, then the onion and garlic. Cook them for two minutes until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until brown, which takes about five to seven minutes. If there's too much fat, drain it off. This keeps the beef crispy. For riced cauliflower, the key is to avoid overcooking. Sauté it in the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Cook for four to five minutes until it’s tender. Season it with salt and pepper. This will help keep the texture light and fluffy. You can make this meal ahead of time. Cook the ground beef and riced cauliflower separately. Store them in airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. You can also prep the veggies ahead. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions. Keep them in the fridge for quick assembly later. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the beef and cauliflower in a skillet. This makes meal prep easy and saves time during busy days. To make your bowls even better, pair them with simple sides. A fresh salad or steamed broccoli works well. You can also serve it with avocado slices for creaminess. For presentation, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls first. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef. Finish with the diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. This not only looks great but adds more flavor. Enjoy each colorful bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your dish, making it vibrant and delicious. Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking the cauliflower can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it while sautéing to achieve the perfect tenderness. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance. You can also add fresh chili peppers for extra heat! Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the garnishes! They add freshness and visual appeal, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. Ground chicken is another great choice. Both have similar cooking times and flavors. If you want a vegetarian option, try lentils or mushrooms. Cooked lentils add protein and texture. Mushrooms give a nice umami flavor. Both will absorb the spices well. You can make this dish hotter or milder. To increase heat, add more chili powder. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra kick. If you prefer less heat, cut back on the chili powder. You can replace it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat. Try adding herbs like oregano or thyme for a different taste. You have options for cooking cauliflower. Roasting gives a nice crispy texture. Toss riced cauliflower with olive oil and roast it at 400°F (204°C). Sautéing is quick and easy. Just heat a pan with olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes. This method keeps it tender and flavorful. You can also use other low-carb veggies. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are great substitutes. They offer different flavors and textures in your bowl. To keep your leftovers fresh, use airtight containers. Make sure to let the dish cool first. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate the beef and cauliflower for best results. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the stovetop works best. Heat a skillet on medium and add a splash of oil. This helps bring back the crispiness. Stir gently until heated through. You can use the microwave too, but it may make the dish soggy. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely. This keeps some moisture in without making it too wet. Yes, this dish is keto-friendly. The main ingredient, cauliflower, is low in carbs. Ground beef adds protein without extra carbs. The spices and sauces are also low in sugar. This makes it a great meal for a keto diet. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. Just heat it in the pan until warm. You might want to drain excess water. This keeps your dish from getting soggy. Frozen cauliflower rice saves prep time and works well. To make this dish dairy-free, skip any cheese toppings. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This gives a similar flavor without dairy. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch without any dairy. Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use two pounds of ground beef. Double all the spices and veggies too. Make sure you have a large enough skillet. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great. Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You could also add avocado slices for creaminess. A light dipping sauce pairs well too. Rice or quinoa can be nice, but keep them low-carb if needed. This blog post covered how to make Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and how to prepare and cook them. I shared tips for texture, meal prep, and serving suggestions to enhance your dish. Remember to experiment with variations to suit your taste. The recipe is flexible, making it great for any meal plan. Enjoy creating a delicious and healthy bowl that fits your needs and preferences!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful and Spicy: This dish combines bold spices like chili powder and cumin, creating a deliciously spicy kick that tantalizes the taste buds.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: Using riced cauliflower instead of rice makes this a low-carb, nutritious meal packed with vitamins and minerals.
  3. Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  4. Customizable Toppings: The garnishes of bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro allow for personalization and an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

– 2 green onions, sliced

– Fresh cilantro leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Cauliflower

Start by ricing the cauliflower. You can use a food processor or a box grater. Both methods work well, but I prefer the food processor for speed. Once riced, set it aside for later.

Cooking the Beef

Next, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about two minutes until they smell great.

Seasoning the Beef

Now it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed. After that, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the spices blend into the beef.

Preparing the Riced Cauliflower

In another pan, pour a little olive oil. Sauté the riced cauliflower over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it tender but not mushy. Check the texture by tasting a small bit and season with salt and pepper.

Combining Ingredients

Now, taste the beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning if it needs more flavor. To serve, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef for a hearty meal.

Garnishing

Finally, add some color and flavor. Sprinkle diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves on top. This not only looks good but also adds extra taste to your dish.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Texture

To get crispy ground beef, you need high heat. Start with a hot skillet. Add the olive oil first, then the onion and garlic. Cook them for two minutes until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until brown, which takes about five to seven minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain it off. This keeps the beef crispy.

For riced cauliflower, the key is to avoid overcooking. Sauté it in the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Cook for four to five minutes until it’s tender. Season it with salt and pepper. This will help keep the texture light and fluffy.

Meal Prep Suggestions

You can make this meal ahead of time. Cook the ground beef and riced cauliflower separately. Store them in airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. You can also prep the veggies ahead. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions. Keep them in the fridge for quick assembly later.

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the beef and cauliflower in a skillet. This makes meal prep easy and saves time during busy days.

Serving Suggestions

To make your bowls even better, pair them with simple sides. A fresh salad or steamed broccoli works well. You can also serve it with avocado slices for creaminess.

For presentation, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls first. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef. Finish with the diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. This not only looks great but adds more flavor. Enjoy each colorful bite!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your dish, making it vibrant and delicious.
  2. Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking the cauliflower can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it while sautéing to achieve the perfect tenderness.
  3. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance. You can also add fresh chili peppers for extra heat!
  4. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnishes! They add freshness and visual appeal, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. Ground chicken is another great choice. Both have similar cooking times and flavors.

If you want a vegetarian option, try lentils or mushrooms. Cooked lentils add protein and texture. Mushrooms give a nice umami flavor. Both will absorb the spices well.

Spice Level Adjustments

You can make this dish hotter or milder. To increase heat, add more chili powder. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra kick.

If you prefer less heat, cut back on the chili powder. You can replace it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat. Try adding herbs like oregano or thyme for a different taste.

Cauliflower Cooking Methods

You have options for cooking cauliflower. Roasting gives a nice crispy texture. Toss riced cauliflower with olive oil and roast it at 400°F (204°C).

Sautéing is quick and easy. Just heat a pan with olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes. This method keeps it tender and flavorful.

You can also use other low-carb veggies. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are great substitutes. They offer different flavors and textures in your bowl.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftovers fresh, use airtight containers. Make sure to let the dish cool first. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate the beef and cauliflower for best results. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Methods

For reheating, the stovetop works best. Heat a skillet on medium and add a splash of oil. This helps bring back the crispiness. Stir gently until heated through. You can use the microwave too, but it may make the dish soggy. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely. This keeps some moisture in without making it too wet.

FAQs

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, this dish is keto-friendly. The main ingredient, cauliflower, is low in carbs. Ground beef adds protein without extra carbs. The spices and sauces are also low in sugar. This makes it a great meal for a keto diet.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. Just heat it in the pan until warm. You might want to drain excess water. This keeps your dish from getting soggy. Frozen cauliflower rice saves prep time and works well.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, skip any cheese toppings. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This gives a similar flavor without dairy. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch without any dairy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use two pounds of ground beef. Double all the spices and veggies too. Make sure you have a large enough skillet. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great.

What to serve with Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls?

Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You could also add avocado slices for creaminess. A light dipping sauce pairs well too. Rice or quinoa can be nice, but keep them low-carb if needed.

This blog post covered how to make Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and how to prepare and cook them. I shared tips for texture, meal prep, and serving suggestions to enhance your dish. Remember to experiment with variations to suit your taste. The recipe is flexible, making it great for any meal plan. Enjoy creating a delicious and healthy bowl that fits your needs and preference

- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by ricing the cauliflower. You can use a food processor or a box grater. Both methods work well, but I prefer the food processor for speed. Once riced, set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about two minutes until they smell great. Now it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra fat if needed. After that, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the spices blend into the beef. In another pan, pour a little olive oil. Sauté the riced cauliflower over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it tender but not mushy. Check the texture by tasting a small bit and season with salt and pepper. Now, taste the beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning if it needs more flavor. To serve, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef for a hearty meal. Finally, add some color and flavor. Sprinkle diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves on top. This not only looks good but also adds extra taste to your dish. To get crispy ground beef, you need high heat. Start with a hot skillet. Add the olive oil first, then the onion and garlic. Cook them for two minutes until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until brown, which takes about five to seven minutes. If there's too much fat, drain it off. This keeps the beef crispy. For riced cauliflower, the key is to avoid overcooking. Sauté it in the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Cook for four to five minutes until it’s tender. Season it with salt and pepper. This will help keep the texture light and fluffy. You can make this meal ahead of time. Cook the ground beef and riced cauliflower separately. Store them in airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. You can also prep the veggies ahead. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions. Keep them in the fridge for quick assembly later. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the beef and cauliflower in a skillet. This makes meal prep easy and saves time during busy days. To make your bowls even better, pair them with simple sides. A fresh salad or steamed broccoli works well. You can also serve it with avocado slices for creaminess. For presentation, layer the riced cauliflower in bowls first. Top it with the crispy chili ground beef. Finish with the diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. This not only looks great but adds more flavor. Enjoy each colorful bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your dish, making it vibrant and delicious. Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking the cauliflower can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it while sautéing to achieve the perfect tenderness. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance. You can also add fresh chili peppers for extra heat! Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the garnishes! They add freshness and visual appeal, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. Ground chicken is another great choice. Both have similar cooking times and flavors. If you want a vegetarian option, try lentils or mushrooms. Cooked lentils add protein and texture. Mushrooms give a nice umami flavor. Both will absorb the spices well. You can make this dish hotter or milder. To increase heat, add more chili powder. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra kick. If you prefer less heat, cut back on the chili powder. You can replace it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat. Try adding herbs like oregano or thyme for a different taste. You have options for cooking cauliflower. Roasting gives a nice crispy texture. Toss riced cauliflower with olive oil and roast it at 400°F (204°C). Sautéing is quick and easy. Just heat a pan with olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes. This method keeps it tender and flavorful. You can also use other low-carb veggies. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are great substitutes. They offer different flavors and textures in your bowl. To keep your leftovers fresh, use airtight containers. Make sure to let the dish cool first. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate the beef and cauliflower for best results. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the stovetop works best. Heat a skillet on medium and add a splash of oil. This helps bring back the crispiness. Stir gently until heated through. You can use the microwave too, but it may make the dish soggy. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely. This keeps some moisture in without making it too wet. Yes, this dish is keto-friendly. The main ingredient, cauliflower, is low in carbs. Ground beef adds protein without extra carbs. The spices and sauces are also low in sugar. This makes it a great meal for a keto diet. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. Just heat it in the pan until warm. You might want to drain excess water. This keeps your dish from getting soggy. Frozen cauliflower rice saves prep time and works well. To make this dish dairy-free, skip any cheese toppings. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This gives a similar flavor without dairy. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch without any dairy. Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use two pounds of ground beef. Double all the spices and veggies too. Make sure you have a large enough skillet. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great. Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You could also add avocado slices for creaminess. A light dipping sauce pairs well too. Rice or quinoa can be nice, but keep them low-carb if needed. This blog post covered how to make Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and how to prepare and cook them. I shared tips for texture, meal prep, and serving suggestions to enhance your dish. Remember to experiment with variations to suit your taste. The recipe is flexible, making it great for any meal plan. Enjoy creating a delicious and healthy bowl that fits your needs and preferences!

Crispy Chili Ground Beef Cauliflower Bowls

A flavorful and healthy bowl featuring ground beef, riced cauliflower, and vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Cauliflower: Start by ricing the cauliflower using a food processor or grating it on a box grater. Set aside.
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the spices infuse the beef.
  • Cook the Cauliflower: In another pan, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the riced cauliflower over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, just until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine Ingredients: Taste the beef mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve by layering the riced cauliflower in bowls topped with the crispy chili ground beef.
  • Garnish: Finish off with diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch.
Keyword beef, bowl, cauliflower, healthy

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