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Keto Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet - A Fast, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (or 16 oz/450 g bag of frozen cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional for color and crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (or use some beef drippings)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Prep the cauliflower rice: If using fresh cauliflower, chop into florets and pulse in a food processor until rice-like. Don’t over-process. If using frozen, keep it ready to go—no need to thaw completely.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned with some crispy edges, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon off excess fat if very greasy, but leave a little for flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the empty side, then add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute, stirring, to deepen the flavors.
  5. Add cauliflower rice: Stir in the cauliflower rice and the beef broth. If the pan looks dry, add another tablespoon of oil for richness.
  6. Steam and stir-fry: Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy, about 6–8 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
  7. Finish and melt: If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt. Remove from heat and top with chopped parsley or cilantro.
  8. Serve: Spoon into bowls and add a squeeze of lime if you like a bright finish.