One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower

This One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower skillet has since become a staple in our home. It’s the perfect answer to the “What’s for dinner?” question, delivering all the cozy, satisfying flavors of a classic casserole but without the carbs or the cleanup. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and it comes together in about 40 minutes. What’s not to love?

Why This Recipe Works

I’m convinced you’ll fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why it’s practically foolproof:

• A True One-Pot Wonder: Seriously, everything happens in one pot. From browning the beef to melting the cheese, you’re saving yourself time and effort. The cleanup is an absolute breeze.
• Big, Bold Flavors: We build layers of flavor by browning the beef first, sautéing the veggies in the savory drippings, and toasting the spices until they’re fragrant. It’s a simple technique that makes a world of difference.
• Dietary Flexibility: This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food without compromise. It’s also incredibly easy to adapt with different proteins or veggies.

Ingredient Breakdown

The beauty of this skillet is its reliance on simple, powerful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lean Ground Beef: I use 90/10 lean ground beef, but feel free to use whatever you have. Ground turkey or chicken would also be delicious!
• Veggies: A classic mix of yellow onion, red bell pepper, and garlic creates the aromatic base. The cauliflower florets become perfectly tender and soak up all the sauce.
• Spices: We’re using a combination of low-sodium taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of ground chipotle for a warm, smoky heat.
• Canned Goods: A can of diced tomatoes with green chiles brings flavor, acidity, and moisture. A little beef broth helps steam the cauliflower perfectly.
• Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar gives you that perfect gooey melt and sharp flavor. Grating your own from a block is always best, but a pre-shredded bag works great in a pinch.
• Toppings: Pickled jalapeños add a briny kick, and fresh cilantro brightens everything up at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some magic? Let’s get cooking!

1. Sear the Beef: Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s deeply browned and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, but be sure to leave the rendered fat in the pot—that’s pure flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add the avocado oil, then toss in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until they’ve softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another 45 seconds until you can smell that amazing aroma.
3. Bloom the Spices: Add the browned beef back into the pot. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and chipotle powder. Stir everything constantly for about a minute to toast the spices and coat the beef and veggies.
4. Simmer the Base: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles and the beef broth. As you stir, make sure you’re scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the cauliflower florets and stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a steady bubble, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Steam and Soften: Cover the pot and let the skillet cook for 8–10 minutes. This will steam the cauliflower, making it perfectly fork-tender while the sauce thickens up.
6. The Final Melt: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the top, followed by the sliced pickled jalapeños. Put the lid back on the pot and let it stand for 4–5 minutes. The residual heat will create the most incredible, gooey cheese layer. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Expert Tips

• Substitutions are your friend! Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. Want it spicier? Use a hot taco seasoning or swap the cheese for a Pepper Jack blend. To bulk it up with more fiber, stir in a half cup of drained and rinsed black beans along with the cauliflower.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Avoid a Dry Skillet: If the mixture looks a little dry while it’s simmering, don’t be afraid to add another splash of beef broth to keep things saucy. On the flip side, if it looks too watery, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the cheese to allow the liquid to reduce.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This one-pot meal is fantastic all on its own, but it’s also fun to dress up! For a low-carb option, serve it with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a crisp side salad. If you’re not worried about carbs, it’s incredible with tortilla chips for scooping or served over a bed of fluffy rice.

For drinks, a cold, light Mexican beer or a sparkling limeade cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. It’s the ideal setup for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends.