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Mexican Fried Cauliflower Rice on a plate garnished with guacamole, salsa, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro next to forks, lime wedges, a linen napkin, and a sprig of cilantro.

Mexican Fried Cauliflower Rice With Ground Beef {Gluten Free}

Katie AdamsKatie Adams
Vegetable loaded and brimming with bold, smoky, and earthy taco flavor, this healthy, one pot meal is perfect for the whole family!
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large deep skillet or braiser
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Medium bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil I prefer coconut oil
  • 1 lb ground beef I use 85/15 or 80/20

Spice Blend

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion small diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 small zucchini deseeded* and small diced
  • 1 medium green bell peper small diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn or fresh if you prefer (about 1⅓ ear of corn)
  • 2 12 oz pkg frozen cauliflower rice

Citrus Pop

  • zest of ½ lime
  • 1½ tablespoon pure lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Set cauliflower rice out of the refrigerator to begin to thaw.

Make the Spice Blend

  • In a small bowl add: chili powder, cumin, oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to combine.

Brown the Ground Beef

  • Add oil to a large deep skillet or braiser over MEDIUM heat. When oil is melted and pan is very hot added ground beef, breaking up with a wooden spoon.
  • Brown meat, stirring often and continuing to break down in to very small pieces. Cook until only a small amount of pink remains about 3-4 minutes.
    Ground beef browning in a skillet.
  • Add ½ of the spice blend. Stir to combine and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant and beef is cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, remove beef to a bowl and set aside for later.

Sauté the Veggies

  • In the same pan over MEDIUM heat add onion and 2 pinches of salt. Sauté stirring occasionally until soften about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add remaining ½ spice blend and minced garlic. Sauté stirring constantly until spices and garlic are fragrant.
    Onions and seasoning sautéing in a skillet.
  • Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and corn and 2 pinches of salt. Sauté stirring often until vegetables begin to soften about 2-3 minutes.

Bring It All Together

  • Return the ground beef and accumulated juices to the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine.
    Cooking vegetables, ground beef, and spices in a skillet.
  • Add cauliflower rice and stir until well combined. Continue to cook over MEDIUM heat stirring occasionally until cauliflower is warmed through and tender about 5-7 minutes. Turn off burner.
    Cooking vegetables, ground beef and spices in a skillet.

Brighten It Up

  • Zest ½ lime over beef and vegetable mixture and squeeze the juice from the lime on top. Stir until well combined. Enjoy!

Notes

*In order to seed zucchini, quarter it long wise. Drag a sharp knife down to remove the seeded area. Although the seeded portion is not very large, it releases a lot of liquid and will turn mushy. I personally think the seeds taste great but the texture can be off putting.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 305mgPotassium: 796mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 603IUVitamin C: 78mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
Keyword ground beef recipes, quick meal, skillet meal
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