Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner you make when life’s busy but you still want real flavor. Juicy beef, tender cauliflower rice, and pantry spices come together fast, giving you a meal that feels hearty without the carb crash. It’s quick, filling, and kid-approved. Best part? Only one skillet to wash when you’re done. Comfort food, dad-style.
Why This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can get this meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet means less fuss after dinner.
- Big flavor: The mix of seasonings and ingredients creates a delicious meal everyone will love.
How to Make Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the beef:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Add the vegetables:
Toss in 1 chopped medium onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until it’s fragrant.
Simmer it all together:
Now, stir in 4 cups of riced cauliflower, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of undrained diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. For extra flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking. Serve hot!
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven to keep the texture crisp. Heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best results.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-riced cauliflower from the store.
- Buy rotisserie chicken to mix in for a different flavor.
- Opt for bagged, mixed fresh vegetables for added crunch.
- Chop the onions and garlic ahead of time or use pre-minced garlic.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use frozen riced cauliflower for convenience and affordability.
- Swap diced tomatoes for a can of crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- Add some chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet
Ingredients
For the skillet
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped Chop ahead of time for convenience.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Pre-minced garlic can be used.
- 4 cups riced cauliflower Store-bought pre-riced cauliflower can save time.
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained Can substitute with crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Stir in during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease, about 6-8 minutes.
Adding the Vegetables
- Toss in 1 chopped medium onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Simmering Together
- Stir in 4 cups of riced cauliflower, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of undrained diced tomatoes, and the seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
- For extra flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet
Can I make ground beef cauliflower skillet ahead of time?
Yep, you can cook the whole skillet and stash it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, just warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. It also freezes well portion it out and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
What if my ground beef cauliflower skillet is watery?
No worries. That usually happens if the tomatoes or cauliflower release extra liquid. Just simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until the moisture cooks off. Another trick is to add the cauliflower rice toward the end instead of the beginning it keeps it from going mushy.
Can I swap the cauliflower rice with something else?
Totally. If cauliflower’s not your thing, you can use cooked white or brown rice, quinoa, or even small pasta like orzo. The dish won’t be low-carb anymore, but it’ll still taste fantastic. Just reduce the simmer time so nothing overcooks.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
For sure. It packs up in lunch containers really well and reheats without losing flavor. If you like variety, mix in extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers when cooking, so you’ve got a little change-up for each portion.
Wrap-Up: Why This Skillet Belongs on Your Table
This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a true weeknight win quick to make, loaded with flavor, and easy on cleanup. It’s hearty without being heavy, and it saves you from the drive-thru when time’s tight. One skillet, simple ingredients, and a meal the whole family actually eats without complaint. Give it a go tonight you’ll be glad to have this shortcut in your dinner rotation.
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