Low Carb Burrito Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Home Meals

This hearty bowl features seasoned ground beef sizzling with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The savory meat pairs perfectly with tender cauliflower rice that absorbs all the delicious spices. Fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado add refreshing crunch, while shredded cheddar and tangy sour cream bring rich, satisfying flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens every bite.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:50:51 GMT
Sizzling seasoned ground beef and creamy avocado top a bed of cauliflower rice in this Low Carb Burrito Bowl. Pin it
Sizzling seasoned ground beef and creamy avocado top a bed of cauliflower rice in this Low Carb Burrito Bowl. | softawrir.com

Savor the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with this satisfying Low Carb Burrito Bowl. Sizzling seasoned ground beef meets tender cauliflower rice, topped with a refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and zesty lime for a nutritious meal that is ready in just 35 minutes.

Sizzling seasoned ground beef and creamy avocado top a bed of cauliflower rice in this Low Carb Burrito Bowl. Pin it
Sizzling seasoned ground beef and creamy avocado top a bed of cauliflower rice in this Low Carb Burrito Bowl. | softawrir.com

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This recipe is a versatile powerhouse for meal prep, offering a colorful and balanced dish that keeps you feeling full. Whether you are looking for a keto-friendly lunch or a family-friendly dinner, these bowls deliver a perfect harmony of spices and fresh textures.

Ingredients

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  • For the Seasoned Beef
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about ½ cup)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Cauliflower Rice
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or additional olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • For Assembly and Garnish
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using) to make the taco seasoning. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat Skillet
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook another 2 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Brown Beef
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Cook Cauliflower Rice
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 4–5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Keep warm.
Step 7: Build the Base
To assemble, divide shredded romaine among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture.
Step 8: Add Rice
Spoon cauliflower rice beside or under the beef in each bowl.
Step 9: Add Toppings
Garnish 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.
Step 10: Final Touch
Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl before eating for a bright, tangy finish.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To keep the ingredients fresh for meal prep, store the beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh vegetables in separate containers for up to 3 days. Assemble and reheat the beef and rice only when you are ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and tomatoes.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a dairy-free bowl, simply omit the cheese and sour cream, replacing them with a dollop of coconut yogurt or an avocado crema. You can also substitute cauliflower rice with shredded cabbage for a crunchy, raw variation.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro. For those who enjoy heat, add sliced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the garnish. These bowls are perfect served in large ceramic dishes to showcase the vibrant layers of ingredients.

Layered with crisp romaine lettuce and shredded cheddar, this Low Carb Burrito Bowl is ready for a quick weeknight dinner. Pin it
Layered with crisp romaine lettuce and shredded cheddar, this Low Carb Burrito Bowl is ready for a quick weeknight dinner. | softawrir.com
Layered with crisp romaine lettuce and shredded cheddar, this Low Carb Burrito Bowl is ready for a quick weeknight dinner. Pin it
Layered with crisp romaine lettuce and shredded cheddar, this Low Carb Burrito Bowl is ready for a quick weeknight dinner. | softawrir.com

Whether you are sticking to a low-carb lifestyle or just craving a fresh, Mexican-inspired meal, this burrito bowl is a delicious and efficient way to bring gourmet flavors to your dinner table any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the seasoned beef, cauliflower rice, and chopped vegetables separately. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble individual bowls when ready to eat for the best texture and freshness.

What protein alternatives work well?

Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version while still absorbing the spices beautifully. Plant-based ground meat crumbles also work for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time slightly as leaner meats cook faster.

How can I add more heat to this bowl?

Increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend or add diced fresh jalapeños while cooking the beef. Pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes make excellent finishing touches for extra spice.

Is cauliflower rice better than regular rice?

Cauliflower rice offers a light, tender texture that soaks up savory flavors while keeping carbohydrates low. It cooks in just 5 minutes and provides a perfect base for spiced meats and fresh toppings without the heaviness of traditional rice.

What vegetables can I add for more variety?

Diced cucumbers, radishes, or shredded red cabbage add satisfying crunch. Roasted corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers bring additional color and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini work well in the seasoned beef mixture too.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Omit the cheddar cheese and sour cream. Use coconut yogurt, cashew cream, or make a simple avocado crema by blending avocado with lime juice and a splash of water. These alternatives provide creamy richness without dairy.

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Low Carb Burrito Bowl

Spiced beef and cauliflower rice with fresh vegetables and creamy toppings

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Duration
35 minutes
Written by Colin Peterson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-Inspired

Amount Made 4 Portions

Diet-Friendly Info Contains No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You 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

01 2 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or thawed frozen
02 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
03 Salt to taste

Assembly and Garnish

01 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
02 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1/2 avocado, diced
04 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
06 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
07 Lime wedges for serving

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Taco Seasoning Blend: Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 02

Heat Skillet and Prepare Aromatics: Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer before adding diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 03

Cook Garlic and Bell Pepper: Stir minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the onion mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 04

Brown Ground Beef: Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned with no pink remaining.

Step 05

Season Beef Mixture: Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly and cook for 2 additional minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 06

Cook Cauliflower Rice: 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 without becoming mushy. Keep warm.

Step 07

Layer Lettuce Base: Divide shredded romaine lettuce among four serving bowls, creating an even base for each portion.

Step 08

Add Seasoned Beef: Top each lettuce-lined bowl with an equal portion of the seasoned beef mixture.

Step 09

Incorporate Cauliflower Rice: Spoon cauliflower rice beside or beneath the beef mixture in each bowl.

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: 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, squeezing fresh lime over the bowl immediately before eating.

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Tools Needed

  • Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Individual serving bowls

Allergy Details

Always inspect each component for allergens and speak with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk in cheddar cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt with possible cross-contamination if using butter
  • Verify all spice blends and dairy products are certified gluten-free for strict adherence
  • Dairy-free option available by omitting cheese and substituting yogurt alternatives
  • Always review ingredient labels for individual food sensitivities and allergen concerns

Nutrition Info (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. They don't substitute medical consultation.
  • Energy (Calories): 405
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 29 g

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