Sautéed Ground Beef with Cauliflower Rice and Bell Peppers

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

A colorful Whole30-friendly skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, and fluffy cauliflower rice for a hearty low-carb dish. This american-inspired beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, cauliflower rice, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  4. Step 4: In a separate pan, sauté 3 cups cauliflower rice over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly firm.
  5. Step 5: Combine the cauliflower rice with the beef and pepper mixture, stirring to mix well. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 with Cauliflower Rice and 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 (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ground Beef with Cauliflower Rice and 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 with Cauliflower Rice and 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 with Cauliflower Rice and Bell Peppers whole30?

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

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