Introduction

If you’re looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal, these Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls are a perfect choice. They combine the crunch of roasted cauliflower with spicy, seasoned ground beef for a satisfying, protein-packed dish that’s easy to prepare.

A dish served in a white bowl with a dark speckled pattern on the outside contains four main layers. The bottom layer is white rice that covers the entire bowl base. On the right side, there are golden-brown roasted cauliflower florets with some charred spots. On the left side, there is a mound of dark brown cooked ground meat that looks moist and slightly chunky. At the bottom left, several neatly sliced green avocado pieces fan out over the rice. The whole bowl is drizzled with a creamy light orange sauce with red chili flakes and topped with chopped green spring onions scattered mainly across the center. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a wooden board atop a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
2 tablespoons olive oil (1 tbsp for cauliflower, 1 tbsp for beef)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons chile powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the florets on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.
Step 2: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Roast until golden and crispy.
Step 3: While the cauliflower roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in chile powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
Step 7: Divide the roasted cauliflower into serving bowls and top generously with the chile ground beef mixture.
Step 8: Add any optional toppings you like such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, or salsa.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful protein bowls!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, you can toss the roasted cauliflower with a little grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Adjust the chile powder and cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. To maintain crispiness, reheat cauliflower separately from the beef mixture when possible.

How to Serve

A bowl with three main layers: the bottom layer is white rice, half-covered by a dark brown crumbly ground meat on one side and golden-brown roasted cauliflower florets on the other. Both are topped with fresh chopped green onions scattered evenly across the bowl. An orange creamy sauce is drizzled in thin lines over the meat and cauliflower, adding a bright contrast. There are a few red chili flakes sprinkled over the sauce. The bowl is dark and textured, held by a woman's hand, with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and dry it well before roasting to avoid excess moisture and help it crisp up properly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a small pinch of chipotle powder can work as alternatives, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.