Cauliflower Spanish “Rice” With Ground Beef
This cauliflower Spanish “rice” is a delicious low-carb twist on a comfort food favorite. Instead of regular rice, it uses cooked riced cauliflower to keep the carbs low while still offering the bold flavors of classic Spanish rice. With lean ground beef, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and warm spices, it’s a complete one-pan meal that’s fast, filling, and family-friendly. Whether you’re following a keto, diabetic-friendly, or just lower-carb lifestyle, this easy dinner is sure to satisfy.
If you’re cutting back on carbs but still crave a hearty, comforting meal, this cauliflower Spanish “rice” is a great go-to. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and a blend of chili powder and Worcestershire sauce—all stirred together with cooked cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
The dish is easy to prep, full of flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes. It makes a satisfying main course on its own, or you can serve it with a few simple sides to stretch it further. Even better? It’s great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Ready fast. This entire skillet meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
Low carb but hearty. Cauliflower rice lightens the dish without losing comfort.
Great flavor. Chili powder, Worcestershire, tomatoes, and aromatics give it depth.
Flexible recipe. Easy to adjust for heat, sweetness, or additional vegetables.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish balanced; drain extra fat if needed.
- Bell pepper: Green is classic, but red adds sweetness.
- Brown sugar or sucralose: Just a touch balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness, richness, and color.
- Cauliflower rice: Use fresh or frozen; cook until tender before adding.
Steps to Make Cauliflower Spanish “Rice” With Ground Beef
- Brown the ground beef in butter or oil until no longer pink.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and seasonings; cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomatoes and ketchup and let simmer briefly.
- Add the cooked cauliflower rice and heat through.
Tips
- Use pre-riced or frozen cauliflower to save time.
- Drain excess fat from the beef if using higher-fat ground beef.
- For softer cauliflower texture, steam an extra minute before adding.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning after the tomatoes simmer.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicier. Add cayenne, diced jalapeños, or use hot chili powder.
- Use turkey or chicken. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make it cheesy. Stir a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the hot cauliflower rice.
- Add vegetables. Add cooked zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the veggies.
- Swap the seasoning. Use taco seasoning instead of chili powder for a more Tex-Mex profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own as a complete one-dish meal.
- Pair with a side of sliced avocado or guacamole.
- Add a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette for contrast.
- Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions if not strictly low-carb.
- Spoon into lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas for a fun twist.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cauliflower Spanish “Rice” With Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lean
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil , or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper , chopped, or red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoons brown sugar, or to taste, optional, or sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 14.5-ounce cans tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cups cauliflower, riced , cooked until tender*
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef. Melt the butter or heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until it is no longer pink.
- Add the aromatics and seasonings. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, salt, brown sugar, chili powder, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until the onion is tender.
- Add the tomatoes. Add tomatoes and ketchup; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with the cauliflower rice. Add the cauliflower rice and heat through.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
