Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef and cauliflower rice cooked with colorful bell peppers for a filling Whole30 dish. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), cauliflower rice, large red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, and cut 1 large red and 1 large yellow bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add the bell pepper pieces and cook for 4 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a filling, Whole30-friendly main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (85% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice with Bell Peppers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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