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One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower

This easy, cheesy skillet brings together savory ground beef and tender cauliflower in a rich Tex-Mex sauce. All cooked in a single pot, it’s the perfect low-carb, high-flavor meal for any night of the week.

  • Total Time40 minutes
  • Yield4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
  • 1 10-ounce / 280 g can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • ¼ cup 60 ml beef broth
  • About ¾ pound (340 g lean ground beef (90/10))
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • ½ a large red bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 generous cups small cauliflower florets
  • 1 ⅓ cups about 5 oz / 150 g shredded Monterey Jack & Cheddar cheese blend
  • ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef: Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 6–8 minutes. Continue cooking until the beef is deeply browned and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the avocado oil to the pot if needed, then add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until they have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Return the browned beef to the pot. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and chipotle powder. Stir everything together constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the beef and vegetables.
  4. Simmer the Base: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles and the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the cauliflower florets and stir 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 mixture cook for 8–10 minutes. The added broth creates steam to help the cauliflower become fork-tender. The sauce should be slightly thickened.
  6. The Final Melt: Turn off the heat. Uncover the pot and sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the top, followed by the sliced pickled jalapeños. Place the lid back on the pot and let it stand for 4–5 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. For a spicier kick, use a hot taco seasoning or a Pepper Jack cheese blend. To add more fiber, stir in ½ cup of drained and rinsed black beans along with the cauliflower.
  • Troubleshooting: If the mixture seems too dry while simmering, add another splash of beef broth. If it appears too liquidy before adding the cheese, simply let it simmer uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce.

Nutrition Facts (estimated per serving): Calories: 400 kcal | Total Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g) | Total Carbs: 14 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugars: 6 g) | Protein: 32 g | Sodium: 938 mg | Cholesterol: 110 mg | Potassium: 634 mg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400

Find it online: https://foodtrackergirl.com/2025/07/20/one-pot-cheesy-ground-beef-and-cauliflower/