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Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe

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These Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls are a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal featuring spiced and crisped lean ground beef paired with tender cauliflower rice. Perfectly balanced with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt-lime drizzle, this recipe offers a delicious low-carb, high-protein dinner option that’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90–93%)
  • 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon chipotle or cayenne (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Cauliflower Rice

  • 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Veg & Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (or quick pickled)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Yogurt-Lime Drizzle

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon hot sauce or pinch chipotle powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Warm water to thin

Instructions

  1. Make the yogurt-lime drizzle: Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, hot sauce or chipotle powder, and salt until smooth. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm water, stirring to reach a drizzleable consistency. Chill the drizzle until ready to serve.
  2. Crisp the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a swirl of oil to coat the pan. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet, pressing it into an even layer. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop deep browning. Then break it into medium-sized crumbles and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until browned and some edges become crisp.
  3. Season & glaze the beef: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chipotle or cayenne powder if using. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds while stirring. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the beef. Stir in the lime juice and apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors and loosen browned bits from the pan. Taste and adjust salt or heat as desired. Keep the beef warm.
  4. Cook the cauliflower rice: In a second skillet heated over medium-high, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Add the cauliflower rice and kosher salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes if using fresh cauliflower or 5 to 7 minutes if frozen, until tender and steaming with some toasty spots. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cauliflower rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with the crispy chile ground beef. Add shredded red cabbage, diced red bell pepper, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onions. Drizzle each bowl generously with the yogurt-lime sauce, sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90–93%) for optimal texture and less grease.
  • Chipotle or cayenne powder is optional but adds a nice smoky heat.
  • Quick-pickled red onions can be made ahead for more flavor.
  • Frozen cauliflower rice should be thawed and drained to avoid sogginess.
  • The yogurt-lime drizzle can be adjusted in spiciness to taste.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.

Keywords: ground beef bowl, cauliflower rice, healthy protein bowl, low carb dinner, Mexican protein bowl, crispy beef recipe, yogurt lime sauce

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/crispy-chile-ground-beef-and-cauliflower-protein-bowls-recipe/