Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy twist on taco night, then look no further than this Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice. This dish combines lean ground turkey with zesty spices and riced cauliflower, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Say goodbye to traditional rice and hello to a low-carb alternative that’s just as flavorful and filling. Plus, it comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Top Reasons to Make Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice
- Healthy and Nutritious: Using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice reduces the carbohydrates while adding vitamins and fiber.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a robust and delicious flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike!
What to Buy
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 small onion, minced
- 2 tbsp bell pepper, minced
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 oz canned tomato sauce (1/2 of an 8 oz can)
- 4 cups uncooked riced cauliflower
- 4 oz avocado (from 1 small)
- Chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/4 cup jarred salsa
- Lime wedges for serving
Gear Checklist
- Large Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the turkey as it cooks.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
- Serving Plates: For a beautiful presentation of your meal.
Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the onion and bell pepper, and set them aside. Measure out your spices and prepare the riced cauliflower.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the 1 lb of ground turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked, add the minced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to infuse into the turkey and vegetables.
Step 5: Incorporate Liquid
Pour in the 3/4 cup of water and 4 oz of canned tomato sauce. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Riced Cauliflower
Stir in the 4 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the ground turkey taco cauliflower rice in bowls and top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lettuce. Drizzle with jarred salsa and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
International Equivalents
- Ground Turkey: Can be substituted with ground chicken or beef based on preference.
- Cauliflower Rice: Available in frozen or fresh forms in many grocery stores globally.
- Tomato Sauce: Can be replaced with passata or crushed tomatoes in various cuisines.
- Spices: Most spices used are common worldwide but can be adjusted based on local availability.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more water or tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you find the cauliflower rice not cooking evenly, stir more frequently and adjust the heat as needed.
- For added flavor, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the spices to deepen.
Storage Pro Tips
Leftover Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. Just be sure to label your bags with the date!
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen riced cauliflower for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen riced cauliflower is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this dish. Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground turkey with black beans or lentils. You may need to adjust the spices to enhance the flavors further.
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet meal is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, quesadillas, or even a side of guacamole for extra flavor.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking can provide a creamy and melty finish that complements the flavors beautifully.
See You at the Table
Once you’ve savored this Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice, you’ll find it hard to go back to traditional tacos. With its robust flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this meal is not only nourishing but also a delightful way to enjoy taco night! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the onion and bell pepper, and set them aside. Measure out your spices and prepare the riced cauliflower.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the 1 lb of ground turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked.
- Once the turkey is cooked, add the minced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle in the 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to infuse into the turkey and vegetables.
- Pour in the 3/4 cup of water and 4 oz of canned tomato sauce. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the 4 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the ground turkey taco cauliflower rice in bowls and top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lettuce. Drizzle with jarred salsa and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!
Notes
- Leftover Skillet Ground Turkey Taco Cauliflower Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to a month.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more water or tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency.
