Do Share Recipe

I absolutely love making this Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe because it’s quick, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor. Every time I cook it, the house fills with the smell of sizzling ground beef and roasted cauliflower.

I enjoy tweaking the chili crisp sauce to balance sweet, spicy, and savory notes just the way I like. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep for busy days. Let me walk you through exactly how I make this tasty, protein-packed bowl.

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground beef – browns nicely and keeps the dish lower in fat
4 cups cauliflower florets – fresh works best for crisp texture, avoid frozen
2 tbsp olive oil – helps roast the cauliflower evenly
3 scallions – slice whites for cooking, greens for garnish
2 tbsp chili crisp – I like Lao Gan Ma, but any chili crisp works
1 tbsp honey – adds sweetness to balance the spice; maple syrup is a great substitute
2 tsp soy sauce – can swap with coconut aminos for soy-free option
1 tsp black vinegar – or balsamic vinegar if unavailable
1 tbsp double or triple concentrated tomato paste – for deep umami flavor

Note: several serving

Variations

Make it dairy-free by skipping any optional cheese or creamy toppings.
Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey to lower sugar content.
Add other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. You can also enjoy similar flavor combinations in dishes like garlic-beef-and-broccoli-noodles-recipe for more inspiration.
For a spicier kick, mix in extra chili flakes or Sriracha.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – to cook cauliflower and beef evenly
Wooden spoon – for stirring without scratching your pan
Knife and cutting board – for chopping cauliflower and scallions
Small bowl – for mixing the chili crisp sauce

How to Make Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls Recipe?

Roast the Cauliflower

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until they develop a golden-brown color. Remove and set aside while preparing the beef.

Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the same skillet and leave it undisturbed for a few minutes to let it brown. Then stir and break apart until fully cooked, creating a rich, crispy texture.

Combine with Sauce

Mix chili crisp, honey, soy sauce, black vinegar, and tomato paste in a small bowl. Pour over the cooked beef and cauliflower, stirring to coat evenly. Heat for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld. If you enjoy creamy pasta-style meals, you can also try pasta-with-spinach-recipe for another delicious option.

Garnish and Serve

Top with scallion greens, sesame seeds, or any preferred garnish. Serve immediately over rice or low-carb alternatives for a complete protein bowl.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always chop cauliflower into smaller pieces to get faster browning and better texture.
Let the ground beef sit in the pan before stirring; it makes a richer, crispier crust.
I sometimes add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor just before serving.
Make the sauce ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.

How to Serve Crispy Chile Ground Beef and Cauliflower Protein Bowls?

I like serving this in a shallow bowl over jasmine rice or riced cauliflower. Adding colorful garnishes like scallion greens, sesame seeds, and pickled radish makes the dish pop visually. You can also drizzle a low-calorie yum yum sauce or kimchi cream for extra flavor and flair.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for one serving:

Calories: 310 kcal – a light but satisfying meal
Protein: 26 g – perfect for building and repairing muscles
Carbohydrates: 12 g – low enough for low-carb diets
Fat: 18 g – mostly from healthy sources like olive oil and beef

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep cauliflower crisp, or microwave gently to avoid sogginess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I keep coming back to this bowl:

Quick and easy – ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
High in protein – keeps me full and fuels my workouts.
Flavor-packed – sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite.
Flexible – can swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Meal prep-friendly – stores and reheats beautifully for multiple meals.

Ben Carraoli