Crispy Chili Ground Beef And Cauliflower Skillet
I’m a corporate girl, and by the time I get home, my brain is usually fried. So, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour slaving over a hot stove to make a tasty dinner. But also, I’m trying to, you know, not order Door Dash every single night. Enter my absolute lifesaver: #1 ground beef cauliflower recipe.
This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting, satisfying, and actually good for you, but you’re running on fumes. It’s basically a one-pan wonder that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Plus, it’s super customizable.
The best part is that it’s healthy without feeling healthy. The cauliflower just melts into the beef and soaks up all those delicious flavors. You won’t even miss the carbs, I promise! 😉 Okay, maybe a little, but not enough to derail your evening.
Ingredients
My Go-To Ground Beef & Cauliflower Skillet (Easy Healthy Dinner Idea)
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil plus more if needed
- 1 ¼ lbs lean ground beef 85-90% lean works well for crisping without too much grease
- 1 large head cauliflower or 1.5 medium, cut into small, bite-sized florets (about 6-7 cups)
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ½ tbsp chili crunch adjust to your spice preference
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 ½ tsp honey or maple syrup optional, balances the heat
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat in kitchen
- ½ cup crunchy onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh green onions & sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and scallion whites together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cauliflower and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower begins to brown in spots. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with a plate or lid. The steam will finish cooking the cauliflower.
- Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, followed by the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side to brown the beef until a crust begins to form. Break the beef apart with a spatula and finish cooking.
- Add the sauce to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef. Add the cauliflower to the pan and toss everything together.
- Garnish with the scallion greens and serve over rice (see notes below for more healthy garnish ideas).
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