This Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a quick, wholesome, and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for weeknights. Packed with seasoned ground beef, nutrient-rich cauliflower, and vibrant vegetables, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort. It’s versatile, healthy, and satisfying—perfect on its own or served with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (use lean or your preferred fat content)
- 1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder, or to taste
- ¾ tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 4 cups baby spinach (optional)
- ½ cup broth, water, or tomato sauce (for moisture)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the cauliflower and bell pepper: Stir in the cauliflower florets and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and sea salt. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer with liquid: Pour in the broth, water, or tomato sauce to add moisture and help cook the vegetables. Stir to combine, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Optional: Add spinach: If using baby spinach, stir it into the skillet during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Allow it to wilt before removing the skillet from heat.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the dish warm as is or pair it with tortillas, rice, or a salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Conclusion:
This Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that you can make in one pan. It’s packed with bold spices, hearty vegetables, and protein, making it a satisfying option for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your dietary preferences—making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
A one-pan dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cauliflower, and vibrant veggies. A quick, healthy, and flavorful meal with Mexican-inspired spices.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef use lean or your preferred fat content
- 1 small head cauliflower chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder or to taste
- ¾ tsp sea salt or to taste
- 4 cups baby spinach optional
- ½ cup broth water, or tomato sauce (for moisture)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the cauliflower and bell pepper: Stir in the cauliflower florets and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and sea salt. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer with liquid: Pour in the broth, water, or tomato sauce to add moisture and help cook the vegetables. Stir to combine, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Optional: Add spinach: If using baby spinach, stir it into the skillet during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Allow it to wilt before removing the skillet from heat.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the dish warm as is or pair it with tortillas, rice, or a salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime if desired.