Low Carb Burrito Bowl (Printable version)

Seasoned beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh vegetables come together in a satisfying bowl topped with creamy avocado and zesty lime.

# What You Need:

→ Seasoned Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
06 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cauliflower Rice

14 - 2 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or thawed frozen
15 - 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
16 - Salt to taste

→ Assembly and Garnish

17 - 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
18 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
19 - 1/2 avocado, diced
20 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
22 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
23 - Lime wedges for serving

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let shimmer. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook another 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Push vegetables to one side of skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
04 - Sprinkle prepared taco seasoning over beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Wipe out half the skillet or use a second pan. Add butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice, season lightly with salt, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Keep warm.
06 - Divide shredded romaine among four bowls. Top each with a portion of seasoned beef mixture. Spoon cauliflower rice beside or under the beef in each bowl.
07 - Garnish each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl before eating for a bright, tangy finish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and satisfying without any of the afternoon energy crash you get from regular burritos.
  • Everything cooks in about 20 minutes, which means this actually fits into a weeknight without stress.
  • You can prep components in advance and assemble when hunger strikes, making meal prep feel less like a chore.
02 -
  • Cauliflower rice is a texture thing, not a taste thing, so if you cook it too long it becomes mushy and defeats the whole purpose of having something with substance in your bowl.
  • Don't skip the lime; I learned this the hard way by eating a bowl without it and wondering why it felt flat, and then squeezing lime on the next bite changed everything completely.
03 -
  • Brown the beef over slightly higher heat than you think you need; this develops flavor and makes the difference between a good bowl and one you actually crave.
  • Squeeze lime over your bowl right before eating instead of ahead of time because it stays brighter and fresher tasting that way.
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