Looking for a healthy and delicious twist on classic Tex-Mex flavors? This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is your answer! It’s packed with bold, savory flavors, but with a lighter spin—using cauliflower instead of traditional rice or tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan meal brings all the vibrant spices and textures of Tex-Mex, without the extra carbs. Trust me, this will become a regular in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is everything you love about Tex-Mex—tender ground beef, spicy seasonings, and cheesy goodness—without the heaviness. The cauliflower rice acts as a great low-carb base, absorbing all the flavors of the beef and spices. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, all in one skillet! Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or just craving a fresh take on a Tex-Mex favorite, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients (Find the full list below)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Cauliflower (fresh or pre-riced)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell pepper
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime (for garnish)
Full ingredient list is below, but this is the basic rundown of what you’ll need!
Directions
1. Sauté the Veggies
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Spices
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
4. Stir in the Cauliflower Rice
Now it’s time to add the cauliflower rice! If you’re using fresh cauliflower, you’ll need to rice it in a food processor or grate it by hand before adding. Stir the cauliflower into the skillet, mixing it with the beef and veggies. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through.
5. Add the Tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will help the cauliflower absorb all the delicious flavors from the beef and spices.
6. Melt the Cheese
Once the cauliflower is tender and everything is well combined, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
7. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and serve your Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet in bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra burst of freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cauliflower Rice Tip: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use pre-riced cauliflower from the store to save time.
- Add Heat: If you like your dish spicier, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to switch up the cheese! A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds an extra creamy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cheese alternative.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Beef Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken also works wonderfully in this recipe if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even black beans for a hearty protein source.
- Make it Vegan: If you want to keep the recipe vegan, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and opt for plant-based protein like lentils or veggie crumbles.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with some extra sides to make it even more filling. Try serving it with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips, a small bowl of black beans, or a crisp side salad. It also goes perfectly with a side of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want a creamy contrast to the spices.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
4 FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores really well, so you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also a great option for meal prepping!
Can I freeze this recipe?
While this dish can technically be frozen, the cauliflower may release some moisture when reheated. If you want to freeze it, let the skillet cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.
What other toppings can I use?
Other great toppings include sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, shredded lettuce, or even a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
Conclusion
This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a perfect combination of bold flavors and healthy ingredients. It’s quick to make, packed with all the classic Tex-Mex spices, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or just craving something full of flavor, this dish will hit the spot every time. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite sides—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a healthy and delicious twist on classic Tex-Mex flavors. Packed with savory ground beef, spicy seasonings, and cheesy goodness, it’s lightened up with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Quick, easy, and all made in one skillet!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium Cauliflower (fresh or pre-riced)
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 2 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break apart with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Stir in the Cauliflower Rice: Add cauliflower rice to the skillet and mix with the beef and veggies. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve in bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Cauliflower Rice Tip: Use pre-riced cauliflower to save time.
- Add Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese for vegan options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg