Sautéed Ground Beef with Cauliflower Rice and Spiced Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty ground beef cooked with aromatic spices and served over tender cauliflower rice with a vibrant spiced tomato sauce, perfect for a Whole30 friendly meal. This whole30-inspired beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), medium, riced cauliflower head, divided olive oil 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 Whole30 cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium riced cauliflower and 1/2 tsp salt, sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the spiced ground beef mixture over the cauliflower rice and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Beef with Cauliflower Rice and Spiced Tomatoes 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 with Cauliflower Rice and Spiced Tomatoes?

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 with Cauliflower Rice and Spiced Tomatoes?

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 Spiced Tomatoes 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 Spiced Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten 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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