Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that combines spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. The cauliflower adds a delightful texture and keeps this dish light yet satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and scallion whites. Set the sauce aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and toss to coat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower browns in spots. Transfer it to a large bowl and cover with a plate to steam and finish cooking.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to form a crust. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook through.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly. Return the cauliflower to the skillet and toss everything together.
5. Step 5: Garnish with the scallion greens and serve immediately over rice or your preferred side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, roast the cauliflower in the oven before adding it to the skillet.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Adjust the chili crunch quantity to control the spice level according to your taste.
• Try serving with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the cauliflower crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of chili crunch?

Yes, you can substitute fresh chopped chili peppers for chili crunch. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as fresh peppers vary in heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish holds up well when stored and makes for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Crispy Chili Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make skillet dish featuring crispy cauliflower and savory ground beef tossed in a spicy chili sauce. This meal balances spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound Cauliflower Florets, cut into bite size pieces
• 4 Scallions, thinly sliced (greens and whites separated)

Meat

• 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef

Sauces and Oils

• 1 1/2 Tablespoon (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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and the white parts of the scallions. Set this flavorful sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Cauliflower: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat them in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop golden brown spots. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl and cover it with a plate or lid to let it steam and finish cooking.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to allow a crust to form on one side. Break the meat apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned.
4. Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. Return the steamed cauliflower to the skillet and toss everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions on top as garnish. Serve the dish over cooked rice or your choice of healthy sides.

Notes

• You can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free and slightly sweeter.
• Use black vinegar or rice vinegar depending on availability; both add tangy depth to the sauce.
• Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
• For extra heat, add more chili crunch or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• This dish can be meal-prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground beef skillet, crispy cauliflower, chili crunch, easy dinner, spicy beef recipe, healthy stir fry