Cheesy Cauliflower Taco Skillet (Printable)

Low-carb skillet featuring cheesy cauliflower crust, seasoned taco filling, and melty cheese layers.

# What You Need:

→ Cauliflower Crust

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.3 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Taco Filling

08 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
09 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 1/3 cup water

→ Toppings

18 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives, optional
20 - 1 medium tomato, diced
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - 1/4 cup sour cream, optional

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until finely riced. Microwave for 5 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
03 - Transfer cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
04 - In a large bowl, combine riced cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
05 - Press the cauliflower mixture evenly into the bottom of a large oven-proof skillet (10–12 inches). Bake for 15 minutes until golden and set.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
07 - Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
08 - Add water and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
09 - Remove cauliflower crust from oven. Spoon taco meat evenly over the crust. Top with cheddar cheese and olives if using.
10 - Return skillet to oven and bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Remove from oven and top with diced tomato and fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream if desired.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • Perfect keto-friendly alternative to traditional taco night
  • Combines the best of comfort food with healthy ingredients
  • Family-friendly dish that satisfies without the carb crash
  • Complete meal in one skillet for easier cleanup
  • Customizable with your favorite taco toppings
02 -
  • For meal prep, prepare the cauliflower crust a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to use
  • If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the cauliflower mixture to a pie dish or baking pan
  • Allow the skillet to rest for 5 minutes before cutting to help it set up properly
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—reheat in the oven for best texture
  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried oregano to the cauliflower mixture
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