Need a cozy, one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes? This Cheesy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Beef is the perfect solution! It’s creamy, savory, and totally satisfying—all while keeping things light with cauliflower rice. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or just a craving for comfort food, this dish delivers big on taste without the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, and full of cheesy, beefy goodness.
- Low-Carb Comfort: All the coziness of cheesy rice, without the carbs!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Meal Prep Perfection: It reheats beautifully for easy lunches.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- If using frozen cauliflower rice, don’t thaw it beforehand—just toss it straight into the skillet.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a bit more heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream.
- For a spicy kick, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season it Up: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices.
- Stir in the Cauliflower Rice: Add the cauliflower rice and mix well, letting it cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Too much cooking can make it mushy. Keep it tender, not soggy.
- Use Good-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Make it Stretch: Add black beans or bell peppers for extra heartiness.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Mexican Twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and add taco seasoning.
- Keto-Friendly Upgrade: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add Crunch: Top with crispy bacon bits or crushed pork rinds.
- Make it a Bowl: Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, and hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let it cool, then freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if I don’t have cauliflower rice?
You can pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until rice-sized, or use cooked white or brown rice instead.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Season with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Mix in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share your version on Instagram—tag me @thekitchensaid so I can see your delicious creation!
