Mexican Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe
This hearty Mexican Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet recipe offers a flavorful, low-carb twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring tender ground beef, fresh cauliflower florets, and vibrant spices, it’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The dish is packed with bold Mexican flavors from chili powder and garlic, complemented by fresh vegetables and optional baby spinach for extra greens. Serve it as is or pair with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or tortillas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef*
- 1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder (to taste)
- ¾ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- 4 cups baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup broth (water, or tomato sauce)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet with deep sides to ensure even cooking and prevent spillage.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Brown Ground Beef: Create a space in the center of the skillet by pushing onions aside. Place the ground beef in the center and brown each side for 2-3 minutes before breaking it apart with a spatula into smaller chunks for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped cauliflower florets, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, and sea salt until everything is well combined and coated with the spices.
- Simmer with Broth and Spinach: Pour in the broth, water, or tomato sauce and add baby spinach if using. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and stir well. Continue cooking uncovered for another 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the cauliflower to soften to your preferred texture.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, or lime juice as desired. Serve in large bowls alone or with sides like rice, beans, avocado slices, or use as filling for tacos with your choice of tortillas. Optionally, top with grated cheddar or jack cheese for added richness.
Notes
- If a dairy option is acceptable, topping with shredded cheddar or jack cheese adds delicious flavor.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for variation.
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
- Use low-sodium broth if watching your salt intake.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
