Name: Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487797H47M40S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) (optional); Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional); Lime wedges (optional)

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Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a savory, satisfying one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. The crispy ground beef, combined with roasted cauliflower and a smoky, spicy chili seasoning, creates a balanced, delicious dish that’s both comforting and low-carb. This meal is perfect for anyone craving bold flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet meal is easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile. The crispy ground beef adds richness, while the cauliflower provides a tender, slightly nutty contrast. The chili seasoning gives the dish a warm kick, and the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)

Directions

Roast the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy around the edges, flipping halfway through.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the cauliflower is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown and get crispy. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Season the Beef:
- Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well-combined.
Combine the Beef and Cauliflower:
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Top with Cheese (Optional):
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the beef and cauliflower mixture, and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese for 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 3-4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20-25 minutes, so the whole dish comes together in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

I like to:

Add a handful of diced bell peppers or tomatoes for extra veggies.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Top the dish with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of avocado sauce for added creaminess.
Serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or a salad to make it a more complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef and cauliflower mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this meal?
Absolutely! After cooking, let it cool and transfer the mixture into an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in a skillet.

Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the skillet for more flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The combination of crispy ground beef, roasted cauliflower, and bold chili spices makes this dish comforting yet light. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet

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Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy around the edges, flipping halfway through.
Cook the Ground Beef: While the cauliflower is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown and get crispy. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well-combined.
Combine the Beef and Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Top with Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the beef and cauliflower mixture, and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese for 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side for added flavor.