Low Carb Burrito Bowl (Printable version)

Seasoned ground beef with cauliflower rice, crisp vegetables, and creamy toppings in a satisfying low-carb bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seasoned Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
10 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
11 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cauliflower Rice

14 - 2 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or thawed frozen
15 - 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
16 - Salt to taste

→ Assembly and Garnish

17 - 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
18 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
19 - ½ avocado, diced
20 - ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
22 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
23 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for 2 additional minutes until softened.
03 - Push vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
04 - Sprinkle prepared taco seasoning over beef and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat and cook for 2 additional minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Wipe out half the skillet or use a second pan. Add butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice, season lightly with salt, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Keep warm.
06 - Divide shredded romaine lettuce among four serving bowls. Top each with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Spoon cauliflower rice beside or underneath the beef in each bowl.
07 - Garnish each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl immediately before eating.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one or two pans, and cleanup takes less time than the meal itself.
  • The seasoned beef tastes like your favorite taco filling, but the cauliflower rice keeps it light enough that you never feel sluggish after.
  • You can prep the beef and rice ahead, then assemble bowls in under five minutes on busy evenings.
  • It satisfies that craving for something hearty and flavorful without the carb crash an hour later.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the cauliflower rice or it turns watery and bland; stop when it's just tender and still has texture.
  • Let the beef sear undisturbed for a minute before stirring; that browning adds deep, caramelized flavor you can't get from constant stirring.
  • Squeeze the lime wedge fresh over the bowl right before eating, not ahead of time, or the acid will wilt the lettuce and dull the brightness.
03 -
  • Toast the spices in the hot skillet for a full two minutes after adding them; it wakes up their oils and makes the flavor richer and more complex.
  • Use a potato masher to break up the ground beef quickly and evenly instead of wrestling with a spoon.
  • If your cauliflower rice releases water while cooking, crank the heat up for the last minute to evaporate it and get a slightly toasted texture.
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