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Close-up of Low Carb Cauliflower Rice With Ground Beef in a skillet, topped with fresh herbs and diced vegetables.
Daniel

Low Carb Cauliflower Rice With Ground Beef

A satisfying, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that swaps heavy carbs for light, tender cauliflower rice smothered in seasoned ground beef.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Low Carb
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower Rice
  • 1 large head cauliflower about 2 lbs, cored and cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For the Ground Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup beef broth low sodium
For Finishing
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated, optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (12-inch)
  • Food processor or box grater
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. Working in batches, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble coarse rice grains, about 8 to 10 pulses. Do not over-process or it will get mushy. Alternatively, grate on the large holes of a box grater. You should have about 6 cups.
Cook the Beef
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened and edges turn golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  2. Push beef to one side of the pan. Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes to the empty space. Cook the paste and spices for 1 minute until darkened and fragrant, then stir everything together. Pour in beef broth, scrape up any browned bits, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Transfer beef mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Cook the Cauliflower Rice
  1. Wipe out the skillet if needed. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add riced cauliflower and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still with some bite, about 5 to 6 minutes. The cauliflower should look mostly dry and have a few golden spots - this prevents a soggy final dish.
  2. Return beef mixture to the skillet with cauliflower rice. Toss everything together and cook for 1 minute to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For the best texture, do not cover the cauliflower rice while cooking - steam makes it watery. Save time by using 6 cups of store-bought riced cauliflower; just pat it very dry with paper towels first. This reheats beautifully for meal prep: store cauliflower rice and beef separately, then combine when reheating to maintain texture.