Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines spicy, smoky beef with tender cauliflower rice. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, low-carb dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 4 cups (400g) cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (for paleo/gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the onion and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking to ensure smooth preparation without burning the aromatics.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, then sauté until fragrant and softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well so all the flavors combine evenly.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the cauliflower rice. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp-tender and absorbs the spices.
5. Step 5: Add soy sauce and lime juice, then stir to combine. Allow the mixture to caramelize slightly for a crispy texture.
6. Step 6: Scoop the mixture into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve immediately. Optional toppings include diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use frozen cauliflower rice to save prep time—no need to thaw before cooking.
• Add extra veggies like diced zucchini or chopped spinach for more nutrition and color.
• Drizzle with sweet chili sauce before serving for a tangy, flavorful finish.

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, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian or vegan version. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much crushed red pepper flakes you use. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste if you prefer more or less heat.

Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

A flavorful and protein-packed dish featuring crispy chile-seasoned ground beef paired with cauliflower rice, seasoned with bold spices and fresh lime. This easy skillet meal combines lean ground beef and vegetable cauliflower rice for a low-carb, satisfying protein bowl perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Natalie
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 4 cups (400g) cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (for paleo/gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
• Frozen cauliflower rice (no thawing needed)
• Diced zucchini or chopped spinach for extra veggies
• Tangy Sweet Chili Sauce for drizzling before serving
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice your onion, red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients ready to ensure smooth cooking and prevent burning the aromatics.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to evenly season the beef mixture.
3. Add Cauliflower and Combine: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 4 cups of cauliflower rice and cook for 6–8 minutes, allowing it to absorb the spices while remaining crisp-tender. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and 1 tbsp lime juice, stirring well. Let the mixture caramelize slightly to achieve a crispy texture.
4. Assemble and Serve the Protein Bowls: Scoop the ground beef and cauliflower mixture into serving bowls. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately. Optional toppings include diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and texture.

Notes

• For a leaner protein, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Using frozen cauliflower rice saves prep time; no need to thaw before cooking.
• Additional vegetables such as diced zucchini or chopped spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
• Drizzle with a tangy Sweet Chili Sauce before serving for an extra flavor punch.
• To vary spice level, adjust crushed red pepper flakes or omit for a milder meal.
• Optional toppings like diced avocado and Greek yogurt add creaminess and balance heat.

Keywords: ground beef, cauliflower rice, protein bowl, chili, low carb, healthy dinner, skillet meal, lean beef recipe