Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
