Ever have one of those nights where you just need dinner to be easy, comforting, and on the table, like, yesterday? This is that dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
It’s a hearty, one-skillet wonder that cleverly turns simple ingredients into something truly special. And honestly, the cheesy, slightly spicy topping is pure magic.
We all have our go-to recipes, the ones we circle back to when life gets a little too busy. This casserole earns its spot, and then some. It’s incredibly forgiving and comes together in a single pan.
That means less cleanup and more time for you. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get everyone excited about eating their veggies, especially when they’re smothered in melted cheddar.
Gathering everything is a breeze. Here’s your shopping list for this cozy masterpiece:
Nobody wants a watery casserole. The key here is letting the liquid from the tomatoes reduce properly in the skillet. You want it to thicken up just enough so the final result is hearty, not soupy.
Using pre-washed, pre-cut cauliflower florets is a huge time-saver, and they tend to have less surface moisture, which also helps prevent sogginess. Just give them a chop if they aren't quite bite-sized.
First things first, move one of your oven racks to the upper third position. Go ahead and preheat your broiler to high. This step might seem small, but it’s crucial for getting that beautifully bubbly, spotty-brown cheese topping we’re all dreaming of.
Grab a large, broiler-safe skillet—this is your workhorse for the whole recipe. Heat the olive oil over medium heat, then toss in the onion and bell pepper. You’ll cook them, stirring now and then, until they’ve softened and smell amazing, which should take about 5 minutes.
Now, add the ground beef and those cute little cauliflower florets right into the skillet. Cook this all together, breaking the beef up into small pieces as it browns. You’re looking for no more pink in the meat, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes.
This is where the flavor really wakes up. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and ground chipotle. Cook for just about a minute, until the spices are incredibly fragrant. You’ll know it’s right when your whole kitchen smells like a dream.
Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices and all. Bring everything to a lively simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 more minutes. You’ll see the liquid reduce slightly and the cauliflower will become perfectly tender.
Take the skillet off the heat. Now, for the best part: sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire beef mixture. Artfully scatter the pickled jalapeño slices on top. Carefully slide the skillet under the broiler and watch it closely. In just 2 to 3 minutes, the cheese will be magnificently melted and beautifully browned in spots.
Using a lean ground beef (like 93/7) makes a world of difference. There’s way less grease to drain, and the meat doesn’t shrink up into tiny bits. It keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying without being greasy.
For the cheese, freshly grating a block of extra-sharp Cheddar gives you the best, most powerful flavor and a meltier texture. But, a good-quality pre-shredded bag will absolutely work in a pinch, and we’re all about saving time when we can.
Don’t be afraid to play with your pepper colors. A red or yellow bell pepper would bring a lovely sweetness, and you can absolutely leave out the pickled jalapeños if you’re sensitive to spice—though their tangy brine is a fantastic contrast to the rich cheese.
If you can’t find ground chipotle, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add a similar kick. And remember, the broiler is powerful, so don’t walk away! It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch.
To reheat, gently warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, or use the microwave. If using an oven, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out until it’s heated through.
This dish is a complete meal in one skillet, but a few simple sides can turn it into a real feast. A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt on top is non-negotiable for me, it cuts through the richness perfectly.
Some crispy tortilla chips for scooping, a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette, or even some creamy avocado slices would all be absolutely wonderful companions. It’s all about creating those perfect bites.
This recipe is a fantastic template for creativity. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. You could even use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Feel like more veggies? Stir in a handful of corn or black beans with the tomatoes. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro right after it comes out of the broiler would add a bright, fresh finish. Make it your own!
Ground beef and cauliflower combine to create a hearty weeknight casserole that both kids and adults will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet dish is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and bold Southwestern flavors. Topped with melted sharp cheddar and tangy pickled jalapeños, it’s satisfying, low-carb, and perfect served with tortilla chips and sour cream.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.