Amazing Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet in 35 Mins

Okay, so weeknights can be TOUGH, right? Between work, getting everyone fed, and *maybe* squeezing in some couch time, a good, quick dinner is basically gold. That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for this Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet. Itโ€™s seriously a lifesaver! It comes together in a flash, tastes amazing, and is totally low-carb. I remember I was wrestling with a million things after work one night, and just needed something SO easy and healthy. I threw some staples in a pan, and boom โ€“ flavor town was open for business! This recipe is SO simple but delivers a punch.

Close-up of a Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet in a cast iron pan, topped with melted cheese and green onions.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

Seriously, this is a weeknight warrior. You’ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, tops! All in one pan means less cleanup โ€“ that’s a win in my book every single time. Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you; the combination of beef, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning is just *chef’s kiss*. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, and totally fits the low-carb lifestyle. You feel good eating it!

Ingredients for Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to get this deliciousness going. It’s all about simple, good stuff:

  • 1 pound ground beef: I like to use 80/20 for extra flavor, but whatever you have works!
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to get things started in the skillet.
  • 1 medium onion: Finely chopped so it melts right into the dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced up real fine, because garlic is life, right?
  • 1 head cauliflower: Cut into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re not too big, so they cook evenly.
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth: This adds moisture and helps everything get tender.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: That perfect herby kick!
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, of course! You gotta season it up right.

Overhead view of Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet in a cast iron pan, garnished with green onions.

How to Make the Perfect Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

Alright, letโ€™s get this deliciousness on the go! Itโ€™s honestly so straightforward, youโ€™ll wonder why you didnโ€™t make this sooner. My favorite part is how everything just comes together in one pan โ€“ less mess, more flavor! If you’re looking for other simple skillet meals, check out this garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet!

Step 1: Sautรฉ Aromatics for Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

First things first, grab a nice big skillet and pop it over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil to get it nice and warm. Then, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until itโ€™s nice and soft and see-through. Now, add your minced garlic โ€“ oh, that smell! Just 30 seconds to a minute is all you need for the garlic; you don’t want it to burn.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Ready for the star of the show? Add your pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Now, get in there with your spoon and break it all up. Cook it until itโ€™s beautifully browned all over. Seriously, that browning is where all the flavor hides! Once itโ€™s good and browned, carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy dish, right?

Step 3: Add Cauliflower and Simmer

Now for the veggies! Add those cauliflower florets right into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the beef broth, thatโ€™s whatโ€™s going to steam the cauliflower perfectly and create a little sauce. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, and donโ€™t forget a good pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir, pop a lid on the skillet, and let it simmer away. Youโ€™re looking for the cauliflower to get nice and tender-crisp, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Just stir it every so often to make sure everythingโ€™s cooking evenly.

Step 4: Season and Serve Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

Once the cauliflower is perfectly tender โ€“ give it a little poke to check! โ€“ taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, just scoop it straight from the skillet into bowls. Easy peasy!

Overhead view of Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet in a black bowl, garnished with sliced green onions and red peppers.

Tips for a Perfect Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

You know, a lot of times with simple skillet meals, itโ€™s the little things that make a huge difference. For this Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet, Iโ€™ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure itโ€™s always a winner. First, don’t skimp on browning the beef! That little bit of extra time to get a good sear on it adds SO much flavor. Also, make sure your cauliflower florets are roughly the same size; this way, theyโ€™ll all cook up perfectly tender at the same time. Nobody likes mushy cauliflower mixed with crunchy bits!

Variations and Substitutions for Your Skillet Meal

This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is pretty awesome as is, but itโ€™s also super forgiving and easy to switch up! If youโ€™re not a huge fan of cauliflower (though I think youโ€™ll love it here!), broccoli florets are a fantastic swap. You can also throw in some diced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness, or even some chopped zucchini. For a little kick, red pepper flakes are my go-to โ€“ just add a pinch or two when you add the garlic. And if youโ€™re not strictly low-carb, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or even a dollop of your favorite salsa stirred in at the end is delicious. For something totally different, try swapping the beef for ground turkey or even chicken sausage, like in these keto Philly cheesesteak rolls for inspiration!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is a meal in itself, really! But if you want to round it out, it’s fantastic with a light, fresh salad on the side. I often whip up my pineapple cucumber salad or the mango avocado cucumber salad when I make this. They cut through the richness of the beef perfectly!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet Leftovers of this amazing Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet are super easy to handle! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, honestly, the microwave is the fastest way. Just pop a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat it for a minute or two, stirring halfway, until it’s nice and warm all the way through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat if you prefer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet

Got questions about this delish Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet? I’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

You totally can! If you’re using frozen cauliflower, just add it straight from the freezer when the recipe calls for fresh florets. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, as frozen veggies often need a little more heat to get tender-crisp. Easy peasy!

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Oh, absolutely! This Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet is fantastic for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. The main ingredients โ€“ ground beef and cauliflower โ€“ are naturally very low in carbs, and it’s packed with protein and healthy fats. Itโ€™s a guilt-free, super satisfying meal!

What other vegetables can I add?

You can seriously customize this! I love adding a diced bell pepper (any color!) along with the onion, or even some chopped zucchini or mushrooms. For a bit more heartiness and color, a cup of frozen peas or corn (if you’re not strictly low-carb) works great too. Get creative!

Nutritional Information

So, you want to know what’s packed into this yummy Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet? Hereโ€™s a rough idea per serving: around 350 calories, 25g of protein, 15g of carbs with about 5g of fiber, and 20g of fat. Keep in mind these numbers can change just a bit depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and how much seasoning you go crazy with!

Share Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet Creations!

Okay, so have you made this amazing Ground Beef Cauliflower Skillet yet? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Seriously, drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out, or if you tried any cool swaps. Don’t forget to rate it if you loved it, and if you snap a pic, tag me on social media! You can find out more about me and my kitchen adventures over at Melt It Clean!

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Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet

A simple and quick skillet meal with ground beef and cauliflower.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Add cauliflower florets, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender-crisp.
  8. Stir occasionally.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
  • For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: ground beef, cauliflower, skillet, easy dinner, low carb

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