Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls

Posted on June 4, 2025

Easy Low-Carb Protein Bowls with Spicy Ground Beef and Roasted Cauliflower

Looking for a high-protein meal that’s both cozy and low-carb? These Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls are your new best friend. Perfectly spiced beef, roasted cauliflower, and a satisfying crunch come together in one quick, flavor-packed bowl. It’s the kind of dinner that tastes like comfort food but still fits your clean eating goals. Whether you’re meal-prepping or just need a 30-minute dinner, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and so crave-worthy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, customizable, and totally Pinterest-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls check all the boxes—quick, healthy, and full of flavor. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, or just trying to get more veggies in, this recipe delivers. The crispy beef brings big flavor with a little chile kick, while the cauliflower keeps things light but hearty.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make these protein-packed bowls! Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and everything comes together fast. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crispy Chile Ground Beef:

1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 works best)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping)

For the Cauliflower Base:

1 medium head of cauliflower (or 1 bag of pre-riced cauliflower)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Hot sauce

Instructions

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. You’ll roast the cauliflower, crisp up the beef, then build your bowl with all your favorite toppings. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Roast the Cauliflower:
- Chop the cauliflower into small florets or use pre-riced cauliflower.
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in an even layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the cauliflower roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and starting to crisp.
- Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and crispy.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide roasted cauliflower between bowls.
- Top with crispy chile ground beef and any optional toppings you love—avocado, lime, Greek yogurt, or hot sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many mouths you’re feeding!

Servings:

Makes 2 generous bowls or 3 lighter portions.

Timing:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Dinner on the table in under 40 minutes? Yes, please!

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up? This bowl is super customizable! Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

💡 Tips & Swaps:

No cauliflower? Swap in cooked quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Spice lover? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the beef for an extra kick.
Lower fat option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Extra crunch: Top with roasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips.
Veggie boost: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of roasting the cauliflower.
Saucy vibes: Drizzle with chipotle mayo or a squeeze of lime crema for extra flavor.

Storage

One of the best things about these Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls? They make amazing leftovers. Perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches!

🧊 How to Store:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep toppings like avocado or lime separate until ready to serve.
Freezer: The cooked ground beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. (We don’t recommend freezing cauliflower—it can get mushy.)
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes! Just sauté it in a pan with a little oil until tender and slightly browned—no need to roast.

2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and fits perfectly into a keto meal plan.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Totally! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or crispy tofu seasoned the same way.

4. What if I don’t have all the spices?

No worries. A simple taco seasoning packet can work in a pinch!

5. How do I keep the beef crispy?

Use high heat, avoid overcrowding the pan, and don’t stir too much while browning.

6. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! Make a big batch and portion it into containers. Just keep toppings separate for best texture.

7. What can I serve with it?

Try a side salad, roasted veggies, or even a fried egg on top for extra protein.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to dinner: Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls! It’s quick, crave-worthy, and packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re eating clean, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this bowl delivers every time.

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Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe