A Flavor-Packed, Low-Carb One-Pan Meal
This Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a quick and easy dish packed with bold spices, lean protein, and plenty of veggies. Made in just one pan, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine without the heaviness of traditional dishes. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and can be easily customized to suit your tastes!
Why I Love This Recipe?
Tex-Mex flavors have always been a favorite in my household, from tacos to fajitas and everything in between. I created this skillet dish as a lighter alternative to classic beef and rice recipes, swapping out the rice for nutrient-packed cauliflower. The result? A dish that’s just as satisfying but without the extra carbs.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can serve it in taco shells, over greens for a Tex-Mex salad, or simply enjoy it on its own with your favorite toppings. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and protein. Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice that absorbs the Tex-Mex flavors beautifully.
- Bell Peppers & Onion: Add sweetness, crunch, and depth to the dish.
- Garlic & Jalapeño: Boosts the flavor with a bit of heat.
- Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Helps create a savory, slightly saucy texture.
- Tex-Mex Seasoning: A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper for bold flavor.
- Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack adds richness.
- Lime Juice & Fresh Cilantro: Brighten up the dish with a fresh, citrusy finish.
Substitutions:
- Use frozen cauliflower rice for convenience.
- Replace beef with black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño and cayenne.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Seasonings & Tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Tex-Mex seasoning. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate the Cauliflower Rice: Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook until tender.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and garnish with cilantro. Add shredded cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower Rice: It should be tender but not mushy.
- Let the Spices Bloom: Cooking the seasoning with the meat helps develop deeper flavors.
- Customize Toppings: Try avocado, sour cream, or a fried egg for added texture and richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy alternative to tortillas.
- Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.
- Pair with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a fun Tex-Mex feast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I prep this ahead of time? Absolutely! Chop the veggies and pre-cook the beef to cut down on cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a simple, one-pan meal, this recipe delivers big on taste without the fuss. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it and any fun variations you tried!
Print
Tex-Mex Beef Cauliflower Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This one-pan Tex-Mex skillet is a bold, flavorful, and low-carb alternative to classic beef and rice dishes. Made with lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh veggies, and Tex-Mex spices, it’s a quick and easy meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Substitutions & Add-Ins:
- Vegetarian? Swap beef for black beans or lentils.
- Dairy-Free? Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more/less jalapeño & cayenne.
- Extra Toppings: Try avocado, sour cream, or a fried egg.
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeño.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
-
Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Add Seasonings & Tomatoes:
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the spices bloom.
-
Incorporate the Cauliflower Rice:
- Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice & fresh cilantro.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower Rice: It should be tender, not mushy.
- Let the Spices Bloom: Cooking the seasoning with the beef deepens the flavor.
- Use High Heat: Helps achieve a great texture and prevents sogginess.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg