Introduction

This Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb dish that balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes perfectly. Quick to prepare, it’s an excellent weeknight dinner that delivers satisfying textures and bold flavors in one pan.

The image shows a close-up of a black frying pan filled with a cooked dish of browned ground meat mixed with medium-sized, roasted orange-tan cauliflower pieces. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green onions, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of bright orange sauce adding texture and color contrast. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon scooping up a portion of the mixture, highlighting the rich, crispy, and slightly oily texture of the food. In the background, there is a white bowl with cooked white rice and meat, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower florets, cut into bite-size pieces
1 pound extra lean ground beef
1 1/2 tablespoons (24g) olive oil, divided
1/4 cup (64g) tomato paste (ideally double or triple concentrated)
2 tablespoons (42g) honey
2 tablespoons (30g) chili crunch
2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tablespoons (30g) black vinegar or rice vinegar
1/3 cup water
4 scallions, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and the white parts of the scallions. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cauliflower and toss to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower begins to brown in spots.
Step 3: Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl and cover with a plate or lid to let the steam finish cooking it.
Step 4: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook without disturbing for 3-4 minutes until browned and a crust forms on one side. Break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned.
Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
Step 6: Return the cauliflower to the skillet and toss everything together to combine well. Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, briefly roast the cauliflower florets in the oven before cooking in the skillet.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter protein option.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Avoid overcooking to maintain the cauliflower’s texture.

How to Serve

The image shows three rectangular white meal containers filled with two main layers: on one side, there is white rice with a slightly sticky texture, and on the other side, a mixture of cooked ground meat and cauliflower pieces coated in a rich, orange sauce. The saucy meat and cauliflower layer is garnished with fresh green onion slices, adding a bright contrast. The rice is drizzled with the same orange sauce in thin lines. Around the containers, there are small white bowls holding sliced green onions, lime wedges, a chili oil sauce, and crispy light-colored crackers, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well before cooking to prevent excess moisture that can affect the dish’s texture.

What can I serve with this skillet for a complete meal?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles, and a simple side salad for freshness.

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

This Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb dish featuring perfectly browned ground beef and tender-crisp cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made from tomato paste, honey, chili crunch, soy sauce, and black vinegar. Quick to prepare and cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s a satisfying meal that balances heat, sweetness, and umami, garnished with fresh scallions for a burst of color and freshness.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound Cauliflower Florets, cut into bite size pieces
1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef
1 1/2 Tablespoons (24g) Olive Oil, divided

Sauce Ingredients

1/4 cup (64g) Tomato Paste (ideally double or triple concentrated)
2 Tablespoons (42g) Honey
2 Tablespoons (30g) Chili Crunch
2 Tablespoons (30g) Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
2 Tablespoons (30g) Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar
1/3 cup Water

Garnish

4 Scallions, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, black vinegar, water, and the white parts of the scallions. Set this sauce mixture aside while you cook the other ingredients.
Cook the cauliflower: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cauliflower florets and toss them to coat evenly in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower develops browned spots. Remove from heat, transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl, and cover with a plate or lid to allow the steam to finish cooking them gently.
Brown the ground beef: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and return to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a crust starts to form on one side. Then break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned and cooked through.
Add and thicken the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
Combine cauliflower and finish: Add the steamed cauliflower back into the skillet and toss thoroughly with the beef and sauce mixture to combine all the flavors.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the top for freshness and color. Serve the skillet mixture immediately, ideally over rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

For a grain-free option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Adjust the amount of chili crunch to control the heat level according to your preference.
Using extra lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat but retains flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or cook longer to evaporate excess liquid.

Keywords: ground beef skillet, chili ground beef, cauliflower recipe, low carb dinner, spicy beef skillet, easy weeknight meals