Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s both low-carb and packed with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The cauliflower gets a lovely crisp-tender texture while the beef forms a delicious crust, all brought together by a bold chili sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (24g) olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup (64g) tomato paste (ideally double or triple concentrated)
• 2 tablespoons (42g) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) chili crunch
• 2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons (30g) black vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and the white parts of the scallions together. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cauliflower and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower begins to brown in spots. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with a plate or lid to let the steam finish cooking the cauliflower.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan, then add the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side to brown the beef and start forming a crust. Break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the meat.
5. Step 5: Return the cauliflower to the pan and toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili crunch or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free or soy-free alternative.
• Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as a fresh garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the cauliflower from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best to achieve a crispy texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and makes a convenient, healthy meal prep option. Keep the garnish separate and add it fresh when serving.

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, quick, and healthy dish that combines tender cauliflower florets with savory, spicy ground beef in a tangy chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and bold flavors, topped with fresh scallions and easily customizable with your favorite garnishes.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound Cauliflower Florets, cut into bite size pieces
• 4 Scallions, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)

Meat

• 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef

Sauces & Condiments

• 1/4 cup (64g) Tomato Paste (ideally double or triple concentrated)
• 2 Tablespoons (30g) Chili Crunch
• 2 Tablespoons (30g) Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
• 2 Tablespoons (30g) Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar

Oils & Sweeteners

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons (24g) Olive Oil, divided
• 2 Tablespoons (42g) Honey

Other

• 1/3 cup Water

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and the white parts of the scallions. Set this flavorful sauce aside to be added later.
2. Cook the cauliflower: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cauliflower florets, tossing them to coat evenly in oil. Sauté the cauliflower for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to develop brown spots. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and cover with a plate or lid to allow the steam to finish cooking it gently.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty skillet. Place the ground beef in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes so a crust forms on one side. Then break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned.
4. Add the sauce and combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. Return the cooked cauliflower to the skillet and toss everything together well to combine all the flavors.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions on top for a fresh finish. Serve this dish hot, ideally over rice or your preferred grain. Consider healthy garnish ideas such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Notes

• Use a double or triple concentrated tomato paste for a richer sauce.
• Chili crunch adds both heat and texture, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Black vinegar can be replaced with rice vinegar for a milder tang.
• Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

Keywords: Crispy chili ground beef, cauliflower skillet, spicy ground beef recipe, healthy skillet dinner, low carb beef and cauliflower