Save The first time I made cauliflower rice, I was skeptical—how could chopped cauliflower possibly replace the comfort of fluffy rice? But watching those tiny florets soak up seasoned beef juices completely changed my mind. Now it's become my go-to when I want all the satisfaction of a burrito without the afternoon carb slump.
Last Tuesday my husband walked in from work mid-cook and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. The spices hitting the hot beef create this aroma that fills the whole house. We ended up eating standing at the counter because neither of us could wait another second to dig in.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: The 85% lean ratio gives you enough fat to carry all those spices without becoming greasy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps everything sauté beautifully and prevents the beef from sticking
- 1 small yellow onion: Dicing it small lets it practically melt into the beef mixture
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh adds that aromatic kick that nothing else can replicate
- 1 medium red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color contrast against the seasoned beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The backbone of your homemade taco seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Essential for that authentic Mexican flavor profile
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This creates that subtle smoky depth you usually get from grilling
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: An earthy balance to the bolder spices
- ½ teaspoon onion powder and garlic powder: These layered aromatics build flavor complexity
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional but worth it if you like a gentle background heat
- Salt and black pepper: Taste as you go and adjust to your preference
- 2 cups cauliflower rice: Fresh works best but frozen thawed and patted dry works perfectly too
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Keeps the cauliflower rice tender and prevents sticking
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce: Provides that satisfying crunch in every bite
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness brightens the whole bowl
- ½ avocado: Creaminess that ties everything together beautifully
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Just enough for that salty tangy finish
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both work but Greek yogurt adds extra protein
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness
- Lime wedges: Absolutely do not skip this final squeeze of acid
Instructions
- Mix your taco seasoning:
- Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Having this ready beforehand means you wont be scrambling mid-cook.
- Warm your skillet:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until the olive oil shimmers. A properly heated pan prevents the beef from steaming and helps develop that nice browned exterior.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Cook the diced onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and red bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the beef:
- Push vegetables to one side and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook 5 to 6 minutes until no pink remains. Let it get some nice browned bits for extra flavor.
- Season everything:
- Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat. Cook 2 more minutes to let the spices bloom. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook the cauliflower rice:
- Wipe out half the skillet or use a second pan. Add butter over medium heat and cook cauliflower rice 4 to 5 minutes. You want it tender but still with a slight bite, not mushy.
- Build your bowls:
- Start with a bed of shredded romaine in each bowl. Top with seasoned beef and cauliflower rice however you like to arrange them.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Save My sister served this at a dinner party last month and nobody noticed it was low carb until she mentioned it afterward. The combination of textures—crisp lettuce, tender cauliflower, creamy avocado—makes every bite feel substantial.
Make It Your Own
Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully if you prefer white meat. The spices carry just as well and you might prefer the lighter taste.
Heat Levels
I usually add a whole jalapeño diced with the bell pepper because we like things spicy in our house. You can also serve hot sauce on the side and let everyone customize their bowl.
Meal Prep Magic
This recipe has become my Sunday meal prep MVP. Everything keeps beautifully in separate containers for up to three days.
- Store the seasoned beef and cauliflower rice in separate containers
- Keep lettuce and toppings in their own containers to stay crisp
- Reheat the beef and cauliflower gently then top with cold fresh vegetables
Save There's something so satisfying about a bowl that feels indulgent but leaves you feeling light and energized. This recipe proved to me that eating low carb never means sacrificing flavor.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different protein source?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef. Simply cook them in the same manner as the beef, ensuring they are fully cooked through and seasoned well.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this preparation dairy-free, omit the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. For a creamy element, you can use a dairy-free sour cream alternative, a dollop of guacamole, or an avocado crema. Ensure any butter used for the cauliflower rice is swapped for olive oil or another plant-based fat.
- → What are some ways to add more spice?
If you enjoy extra heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend. Additionally, garnish your bowl with pickled jalapeños, fresh sliced jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce before serving.
- → Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes, for meal prepping, it’s best to store the seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado separately. This helps maintain their freshness and texture. Assemble your bowl just before you're ready to eat for the best experience.
- → Are there other low-carb alternatives for the 'rice' base?
Certainly! While cauliflower rice is a fantastic option, you could also use finely shredded cabbage, sautéed zucchini noodles, or even a base of extra fresh greens like spinach or mixed spring lettuce for a different texture and flavor profile.