Low Carb Burrito Bowl (Printable)

Spiced beef and cauliflower rice with fresh vegetables, avocado, cheese, and tangy lime for a complete meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seasoned Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced (approximately 1/2 cup)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (approximately 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 fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer before proceeding.
03 - Add diced onion to the hot skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
04 - Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.
05 - Sprinkle prepared taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly and cook for 2 additional minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - 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.
07 - Divide shredded romaine lettuce evenly among four serving bowls, creating the base for each burrito bowl.
08 - Top each lettuce base with an equal portion of the seasoned beef mixture.
09 - Spoon cauliflower rice beside or underneath the beef in each bowl.
10 - Top 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 on the side for finishing with fresh lime juice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It delivers all the bold flavors of a loaded burrito without the carb crash afterward.
  • Every component can be prepped ahead and assembled in minutes when hunger strikes.
  • The cauliflower rice soaks up the savory beef juices like a sponge, making every bite flavorful.
  • You can customize toppings endlessly based on what is in your fridge.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the cauliflower rice or it turns mushy and loses its texture; stop when it is just tender.
  • Let the beef brown without stirring too much; that caramelization adds serious flavor.
  • Always taste the beef after adding seasoning and adjust salt or spice before serving.
03 -
  • Toast the spices in the skillet for a minute before adding the beef; it deepens their flavor and makes the whole dish more complex.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one; it holds heat beautifully and gives the beef a better sear.
  • Always squeeze the lime right before eating, not ahead of time, so the acidity stays bright and punchy.
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