Name: Mexican Cauliflower Rice with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/3 lb lean ground beef; 1/4 cup onion, diced; 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 tbsp taco seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 16 ounces cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Cauliflower Rice is a flavorful, low-carb twist on traditional Mexican rice dishes. Combining seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables and cheesy cauliflower rice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with a base of cooked rice mixed with browned ground meat and melted cheese, topped with small red tomato pieces and a dollop of white sour cream in the center. On the right side of the bowl, there are two green avocado slices leaning against fresh green cilantro leaves. In the background, a large silver pan with more of the same dish is slightly blurred, resting on a white marbled surface beside a striped cloth in green, orange, red, and yellow tones. Two red cherry tomatoes and some cilantro leaves lie on the surface near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/3 lb ground beef (lean if possible)
1/4 cup onion, diced

1/2 medium red pepper, diced
3 tbsp taco seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup diced tomatoes

16 ounces cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is almost cooked through with just a little pink remaining. Add the diced onion and red pepper, and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Add the diced tomatoes and cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir to combine well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the cauliflower rice starts to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Remove from heat and serve topped with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Add a jalapeño or other hot peppers if you like it spicy.

Fresh cauliflower rice will give a slightly crisper texture than frozen.
For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with seasoned crumbled tofu or black beans.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

How to Serve

A large round pan filled with a colorful dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and small chunks of red and orange bell peppers, the middle layer is a generous spread of melted light yellow cheese blending into the meat, and the top layer has fresh green chopped herbs scattered evenly, with a dollop of white sour cream in the center topped by bright red chopped tomatoes. The pan sits on a piece of brown burlap on a white marbled surface, with a colorful striped cloth folded nearby and a white bowl with a spoon in it on a wooden board in the background, along with some green herbs and a cucumber. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-seasoned taco meat for this recipe?

Yes, pre-seasoned taco meat can be used to save time. Just reduce or omit the additional taco seasoning to avoid overpowering the dish.

Is cauliflower rice a good low-carb substitute for regular rice?

Absolutely. Cauliflower rice is a popular low-carb, lower-calorie alternative to traditional rice, making it a great choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing texture or flavor.