Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make, and satisfying one-pan meal, Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is the perfect recipe. Combining the savory goodness of chili-seasoned ground beef and the slight sweetness of roasted cauliflower, this skillet meal delivers a depth of flavor and texture that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, yet healthy dish.

What makes this dish truly special is the balance between the crispy, slightly caramelized cauliflower and the tender, flavorful ground beef. The chili seasoning enhances the beef, while the cauliflower, when cooked to perfection, provides a crispy and light contrast to the richness of the beef. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish that can be prepared in advance for meal prep, this Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is an excellent choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Prep the cauliflower: Begin by cutting the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. This helps ensure that the cauliflower cooks evenly and crisps up nicely in the skillet.
2. Season the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the chili seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano). Toss to coat the cauliflower evenly.
3. Prep the beef: In a small bowl, combine the remaining chili seasoning with the ground beef. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the spices into the beef, making sure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Sauté the beef for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly.
2. Remove the beef: Once the beef is cooked through and nicely browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Roasting the Cauliflower

1. Sauté the cauliflower: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the seasoned cauliflower florets. Cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also roast the cauliflower in the oven if you prefer a more uniform crispiness: preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the cauliflower for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Check for crispiness: The cauliflower should be crispy on the edges and tender on the inside when done. Don’t be afraid of the golden-brown color—it’s a sign that the cauliflower has caramelized and developed a rich flavor.

Step 4: Combining the Beef and Cauliflower

1. Combine beef and cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is roasted or sautéed to crispy perfection, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Stir to combine the beef and cauliflower, allowing the flavors to meld together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the beef picks up the crispy bits of cauliflower and vice versa.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if necessary.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish: Serve the Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet with a garnish of freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or some sliced avocado. For an extra zing, squeeze lime juice over the top just before serving.
2. Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot from the skillet, but it can also be stored and reheated later.

Tips for Success

• Achieving crispy cauliflower: To achieve crispy cauliflower, make sure it is evenly coated in olive oil and seasoning. You can also consider roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) for an even crispier result.
• Preventing dry beef: Ground beef can dry out if overcooked. To keep it tender, avoid cooking it too long in the skillet. Once browned, remove it from the heat to prevent further cooking.
• Adding more texture: For additional texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans over the finished dish for a nice crunch.

Possible Variations

• Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add beans: Black beans or kidney beans can be added to the beef and cauliflower mixture for extra fiber and protein.
• Sweet potatoes: Adding small cubes of roasted sweet potatoes can bring a touch of sweetness and balance the spices in the dish.
• Extra heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra cayenne pepper, chopped fresh chilies, or hot sauce to the skillet.

Side Dish Pairings

This dish is filling on its own, but if you want to serve it with a side, here are some ideas:

• Mexican rice – A fragrant rice dish with lime and cilantro pairs wonderfully with this savory skillet.
• Guacamole and chips – Creamy guacamole and crispy tortilla chips are a perfect complement to the spicy chili beef.
• Green salad – A simple salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a light lime dressing can balance out the richness of the skillet.

Conclusion

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make, nutritious, and highly customizable. With the combination of ground beef, crispy cauliflower, and bold chili spices, this dish delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep, this skillet meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Yield: 4

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

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If you're looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make, and satisfying one-pan meal, Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is the perfect recipe. Combining the savory goodness of chili-seasoned ground beef and the slight sweetness of roasted cauliflower, this skillet meal delivers a depth of flavor and texture that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, yet healthy dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Skillet:
• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice, optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeño slices (for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and dry-roast them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to get golden and crispy edges. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.

3. Season and Combine:

• Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
• Add the beef broth (or water) to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

4. Crisp the Cauliflower:

• Add the roasted cauliflower back into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to absorb the flavors and become even crispier. If you'd like, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the mixture in the last minute of cooking, letting it melt.

5. Serve:

• Once everything is well combined and crispy, remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, or jalapeños.

Notes

• Cauliflower Roasting Tip: For extra crispy cauliflower, you can roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes before adding it to the skillet.
• Ground Beef Substitutes: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat if you like spicy food.
• Make Ahead: You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add the cauliflower before serving.