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
Scale
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