Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe

This Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice recipe is a flavorful and healthful twist on the traditional Mexican dish. Instead of using rice, we're substituting it with riced cauliflower – a much lower carb option. Ground turkey is used as the protein, making this a leaner choice. Spiced up with classic taco seasonings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly in one skillet.

Photos of Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your pantry or can be easily found in any supermarket. However, riced cauliflower might not be as commonly used. It can usually be found in the frozen vegetable section of the supermarket or you can make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until it resembles rice.

Ingredients for Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Ground turkey: A lean source of protein. You can also use ground chicken or beef.

Kosher salt: To season the dish. It has a larger grain size than table salt and is less likely to contain additives.

Garlic powder: Adds a rich, savory flavor.

Cumin: Gives the dish its signature smokey flavor.

Chili powder: Adds heat and depth of flavor.

Paprika: Gives a sweet peppery flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness.

Onion: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor.

Bell pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

Water: To help combine and spread the flavors.

Tomato sauce: Gives the dish a tangy, rich base.

Riced cauliflower: A low-carb substitute for rice.

Avocado: Provides creaminess and healthy fats.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Lettuce: Adds a crunchy texture.

Salsa: Adds heat and tanginess.

Lime wedges: To squeeze over the top for a fresh citrus kick.

One reader, Helyn Bowden says:

This skillet taco cauliflower rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. The cauliflower rice adds a healthy twist, and the toppings make it even more delicious. It's become a regular in my meal rotation. Highly recommend trying it out!

Helyn Bowden

Essential Techniques for Making Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

How to brown ground turkey: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the ground turkey. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks for about 5 minutes until no longer pink.

How to season the turkey: Once the turkey is browned, add 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

How to simmer the turkey mixture: After seasoning, add the onion, bell pepper, water, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

How to cook the cauliflower rice: Once the turkey mixture is simmered, remove the cover and add the riced cauliflower and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 8 minutes.

How to serve: Transfer the skillet taco cauliflower rice to a plate and serve with sliced avocado, lettuce, salsa, and lime wedges for a fresh and vibrant finish.

How To Make Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Make a simple yet filling skillet weeknight meal with this cauliflower rice made with ground turkey and cauliflower rice topped with avocado and salsa.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbground turkey,93% lean
1¼tspkosher salt
1tspgarlic powder
1tspcumin
1tspchili powder
1tsppaprika
½tspdried oregano
½small onion,minced
2tbspbell pepper,minced
¾cupwater
4oztomato sauce,canned
4cupsriced cauliflower,uncooked

For Toppings:

4ozavocado,small
cilantro,chopped
1cuplettuce,chopped
¼cupsalsa,jarred
lime wedges

Instructions

Over high heat, brown the turkey in a large skillet breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks for about 5 minutes.
When no longer pink, add 1 teaspoon of salt and the dry seasoning then mix well.
Add the onion, pepper, water, and tomato sauce then cover.
Simmer on low for about 15 minutes.
Remove the cover and add the cauliflower, ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook until tender for about 8 minutes.
Transfer to a plate and serve with avocado, lettuce, salsa, and lime.

Nutrition

Calories: 269.95kcal
Fat: 13.64g
Saturated Fat: 3.11g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.25g
Carbohydrates: 14.29g
Fiber: 6.11g
Sugar: 4.89g
Protein: 26.38g
Cholesterol: 78.24mg
Sodium: 883.12mg
Calcium: 82.46mg
Potassium: 986.80mg
Iron: 3.19mg
Vitamin A: 102.43µg
Vitamin C: 67.32mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

When cooking the cauliflower rice, ensure that you don't overcook it. Overcooking can make it mushy and lose its texture. It should be tender but still have a bit of a bite to it, similar to al dente pasta. This will give your dish a nice contrast in textures between the soft ground turkey and the slightly crunchy cauliflower.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out spices in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single skillet or pot to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Kitchen organization: Keep ingredients and utensils within easy reach to avoid wasting time searching for items.

Efficient multitasking: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep the next ingredient to maximize efficiency.

Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe

ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smokier flavor compared to regular paprika, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can be used as a flavorful substitute for tomato sauce, adding a zesty and spicy kick to the dish.
riced cauliflower - Substitute with riced broccoli: Riced broccoli can be used as a substitute for cauliflower rice, offering a similar texture and taste while adding variety to the dish.

Presentation Tips for Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Elevate the plating: As a culinary professional, presentation is key. Use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and elegance to the dish.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the taco cauliflower rice in a ring mold for a clean and sophisticated presentation. This will create a visually appealing dish that showcases your attention to detail.
Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element, such as tortilla strips, to provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing the dish to breathe on the plate. This will draw focus to the vibrant colors and textures of the taco cauliflower rice.
Highlight the freshness: Garnish the dish with a spritz of lime juice just before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing aroma.

Essential Tools for Making Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting or slicing ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry.
Large spoon: A versatile kitchen tool used for stirring, serving, and transferring ingredients.
Cooking pot: A deep, round container with a handle used for cooking on the stovetop.
Lid: A cover for a container, such as a pot, to retain heat and moisture during cooking.
Plate: A flat dish on which food is served or eaten.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting or slicing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

To store leftover skillet taco cauliflower rice, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet to help rehydrate the cauliflower rice and prevent it from drying out. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the taco cauliflower rice. Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen taco cauliflower rice, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little water or broth if needed to restore moisture.
When freezing, consider portioning the taco cauliflower rice into individual serving sizes for convenient meal prep. This allows you to thaw and reheat only the amount you need.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the taco cauliflower rice. It's best to freeze it only once and consume it within the recommended time frame.

How to Reheat Leftover Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Stovetop method: heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. Add the leftover skillet taco cauliflower rice to the pan and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the dish while ensuring it's evenly heated.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover skillet taco cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but may result in a slightly softer texture compared to the stovetop method.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover skillet taco cauliflower rice to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method is ideal if you have larger quantities of leftovers and want to reheat them all at once.
Add moisture: if your leftover skillet taco cauliflower rice seems a bit dry, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or tomato sauce before reheating to help restore moisture and prevent it from drying out further.
Adjust seasonings: after reheating, taste the skillet taco cauliflower rice and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Refresh toppings: to make your reheated skillet taco cauliflower rice taste as good as new, consider adding fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, lettuce, and salsa after reheating. This will add a burst of fresh flavor and texture to the dish.

Interesting Fact About Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice and is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

Is Making Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet at Home Cost-Effective?

This skillet taco cauliflower rice recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Ground turkey and cauliflower are affordable, and the recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients. The total cost for a household of 4 is approximately $15. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal at an affordable price. Rating: 9.

Is This Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet Healthy?

This skillet taco cauliflower rice recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional taco recipes. Here's why:

Ground turkey is used instead of ground beef, which is lower in saturated fat and calories.
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb, nutrient-dense substitute for regular rice, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The recipe includes a variety of spices and herbs, adding flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
Toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa provide additional nutrients and healthy fats.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:

The recipe calls for 1¼ tsp of kosher salt, which may be too much for some individuals, especially those watching their sodium intake.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe, or replace it with a salt substitute or herb blend.
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more bell peppers, onions, or other favorites like zucchini or carrots.
Use a low-sodium tomato sauce to further reduce the salt content.
Opt for a leaner ground turkey (93% or 99% lean) to minimize saturated fat intake.
Serve with a side of leafy greens or a colorful salad to boost the overall nutrient content of the meal.
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt as a topping for a protein boost and lower fat content.

Editor's Opinion on This Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet Recipe

This skillet taco cauliflower rice recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional tacos. The use of ground turkey and riced cauliflower provides a lighter alternative while still delivering on flavor. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a well-balanced dish, and the toppings add a refreshing touch. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Enhance Your Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty guacamole with fresh avocados, diced tomatoes, red onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy and flavorful side dish.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a refreshing mango salsa with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for a sweet and tangy accompaniment to the skillet taco cauliflower rice.

Grilled Pineapple: Grill slices of juicy pineapple for a caramelized and tropical side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the skillet taco cauliflower rice.

Similar Recipes to Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Marinate the shrimp in a spicy seasoning blend, then grill until charred and cooked through. Serve in warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw and creamy avocado sauce.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Season chicken breasts with a zesty spice rub, then grill until juicy and charred. Top with a fresh and vibrant mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavor.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash until caramelized, then blend with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk for a velvety and comforting soup. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs.

Berry Cobbler: Toss mixed berries with a hint of lemon juice and sugar, then top with a buttery biscuit crust. Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by grating fresh zucchini, mixing with herbs, cheese, and flour, then frying until golden brown. Serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer option.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Velvety Lemon Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a luscious and tangy lemon cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lemon curd topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy goodness.

Why trust this Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe:

This recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish, using ground turkey and cauliflower rice to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of spices and vegetables adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the addition of avocado and salsa provides a fresh and vibrant finish. With a focus on wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious meal.

Want to share your experience making this Skillet Taco Cauliflower Rice Recipe or discuss variations and tips? Join the conversation in our Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for ground turkey?

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of riced cauliflower?

Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower and rice it yourself using a food processor or a box grater. Simply pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble the texture of rice.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also top the dish with some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the skillet taco cauliflower rice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

While this specific recipe uses ground turkey, you can easily modify it to be vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu as a substitute. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like corn, black beans, or extra bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.