Name: Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups cauliflower florets (bite-size ½ – to 1-inch pieces); ¾ cup chopped yellow onion; ¾ cup green bell pepper (chopped); Cilantro leaves (for garnish); Thinly sliced green onion (for garnish); Pickled jalapenos (for garnish); 1 pound 90% to 93% lean ground beef; 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; Sour cream (for garnish); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided); 1 teaspoon salt (divided); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet is a flavorful and hearty meal that combines tender roasted cauliflower with seasoned ground beef and melted sharp Cheddar cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings taco flavors without the tortillas.

Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 ½ cups cauliflower florets (bite-size ½ – to 1-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
¾ cup chopped yellow onion
¾ cup green bell pepper (chopped)
1 pound 90% to 93% lean ground beef
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Cilantro leaves, thinly sliced green onion, pickled jalapenos, sour cream, hot sauce (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 2: Place the cauliflower on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss with your hands to coat evenly, then spread out in a single layer. Roast for 12 to 14 minutes without stirring, until beginning to brown and just fork tender. Remove, toss with a spatula, and set aside.
Step 3: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Step 4: Return the skillet to heat, then stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes with juices and the roasted cauliflower. Increase heat until the mixture bubbles, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
Step 5: Meanwhile, set the oven to broil and position a rack in the upper third. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned in spots.
Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, green onions, pickled jalapenos, sour cream, and hot sauce as desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce when cooking the beef mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapenos to the skillet.
Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas for taco-style wraps.
Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and easy transfer to the oven.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Cheese topping may not be as melty after reheating, so you can add fresh cheese before serving again if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version that still keeps great texture and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh vegetables, beef, and spices without any wheat-containing ingredients. Just be sure any garnishes like hot sauce are gluten-free as well.