This cozy stove-top casserole brings together tender ground beef, hearty cauliflower, warm spices, and melted cheese in one satisfying skillet meal. It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for chilly evenings when you want comfort food without a lot of cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is made entirely in one pan, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner. It’s filling without being heavy, packed with vegetables, and easy to adapt to what you already have in your kitchen. The combination of spices, tomatoes, and melted cheese creates bold flavor while keeping the ingredients wholesome and balanced.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground bison
4 fresh garlic cloves, pressed
1 jar (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
2 tablespoons smoked paprika or hot paprika
3 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons dried oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup freshly shredded Cheddar cheese
2 red chili peppers or jalapeños, seeded and sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Directions
Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef and pressed garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, cauliflower florets, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the cauliflower and meat with the seasonings.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced chili peppers or jalapeños and fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes
Variations
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground lamb for a different flavor profile. For extra vegetables, add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the simmering stage. If you prefer a milder dish, use smoked paprika instead of hot paprika and skip the chili peppers. For a creamier finish, stir in a few tablespoons of plain yogurt just before adding the cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the casserole thickens too much, add a small splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole fully, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
It is relatively low in carbs compared to traditional casseroles because cauliflower replaces grains or pasta.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar melts beautifully, but mozzarella or a mild Colby also work well.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra hot paprika or include the seeds from the chili peppers for more heat.
Can I cook this in a pot instead of a skillet?
A wide, heavy-bottomed pot works just as well if you don’t have a deep skillet.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and keeps its flavor over several days.
Can I add legumes to this recipe?
Yes, cooked lentils or chickpeas can be added for extra protein and texture.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad or lightly dressed vegetables pair perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
This beef and cauliflower stove-top casserole is a comforting, flavorful meal that fits easily into busy weeknights. With simple ingredients, flexible options, and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you can rely on again and again for nourishing, homemade comfort.
This beef and cauliflower stove-top casserole is a hearty, one-pan meal combining ground beef, cauliflower, spices, and melted cheese for a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s low-carb, customizable, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground bison
4 fresh garlic cloves, pressed
1 jar (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
2 tablespoons smoked paprika or hot paprika
3 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons dried oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup freshly shredded Cheddar cheese
2 red chili peppers or jalapeños, seeded and sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add ground beef and garlic. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, cauliflower florets, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender.
Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced chili peppers or jalapeños and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey or lamb as a substitute for beef.
Frozen cauliflower works, but should be thawed and drained first.
Stir in plain yogurt before the cheese for a creamier version.
Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.
Skip chili peppers or use mild paprika for a less spicy dish.
