Flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl: Quick & Satisfying (Print Version)

Craving a Low Carb Burrito Bowl? This recipe is quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a healthy twist on a classic.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Low Carb, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Protein & Base

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or ground turkey)
03 - 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)

→ Flavor Foundation

04 - 1 small onion, chopped
05 - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Zest

08 - 1 tbsp chili powder
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 cup water or broth
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
13 - 1 lime, juiced

→ Fresh Toppings

14 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
17 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add a tiny splash of oil, then toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, watching it brown and sizzle. This is where the magic starts! You want a good sear on the meat, not just gray, steamed bits. Drain off any excess fat after it’s cooked through; nobody wants a greasy bowl, right? Set that beautifully browned beef aside for a moment.
02 - Now, in the same skillet (don't even bother washing it, those browned bits are flavor!), add your chopped onion and bell peppers. Let them soften up, stirring occasionally, until they start to get tender and smell amazing – like dinner is actually happening! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in your minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute, letting that tomato paste deepen in color and toast a bit. This step is crucial for a rich burrito bowl.
03 - Time for the good stuff! Stir in your chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Oh, the smell! It’s like a warm hug from a spice rack. Cook for about 30 seconds, letting the spices bloom in the heat. This really wakes them up and makes them super fragrant. Don’t let them burn, though; a quick sizzle is all you need. Then, pour in about a quarter cup of water or broth to deglaze the pan and bring all those glorious flavors together.
04 - Bring your browned ground beef back to the skillet with the seasoned veggies. Stir it all together, making sure everything is coated in those amazing spices. Let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld and get cozy. You want it to be saucy but not soupy, so if it looks too wet, just let it cook down a bit more. This is where your burrito bowl filling really comes alive.
05 - While your beef mixture is simmering, get your cauliflower rice ready. If using fresh, pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. If frozen, just follow the package directions – usually a quick microwave or sauté. I like to quickly sauté mine in a separate pan with a tiny bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt until it’s just tender-crisp. You don't want mushy cauliflower, trust me!
06 - Now for the fun part: assembly! Grab your favorite bowls. Start with a generous base of cauliflower rice. Then, spoon that glorious, spiced ground beef mixture right over the top. Now, get creative with your toppings! Add slices of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and those zesty jalapeño slices. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Seriously, it's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your pan when browning the beef; it'll steam instead of sear, and you'll miss out on those crucial browned bits!
02 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. I often add an extra pinch of salt or a bit more lime – it makes a huge difference.
03 - For a truly flavorful low carb bowl, let the tomato paste cook down for a minute before adding liquids; it deepens the umami.
04 - Serve immediately for the best texture, especially with fresh toppings like avocado.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - food processor (optional for cauliflower rice)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 30-40g

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