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Keto Italian Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

Keto Italian Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet Recipe
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4.9 from 22 reviews

This Keto Italian Ground Beef and Cauliflower Skillet is a low-carb, flavorful dish combining tender cauliflower florets with savory ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs, tomato paste, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that aligns with a ketogenic diet, it features a mix of sautéed and baked textures with a fresh parsley finish.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 4 cups cauliflower florets (from one large head of cauliflower)
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed parsley, roughly chopped

Meat

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (lean)

Oils and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded (divided)

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for finishing the dish with melted cheese.
  2. Sauté Cauliflower: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower begins to brown slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Steam Cauliflower: Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover the skillet, and cook the cauliflower, stirring occasionally, until just fork-tender—this should take about 3-5 minutes depending on floret size.
  4. Remove Cauliflower: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and set aside. Drain any excess water from the pan and return it to the stove.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking it apart continuously, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add Flavorings: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix well to combine.
  8. Combine Cauliflower and Beef: Return the cauliflower to the skillet and mix everything together evenly.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
  10. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve the dish hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For best melting results, shred your own mozzarella cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain starch that affects texture.
  • You can adjust the amount of mozzarella to personal taste, but note that changes will affect the nutritional values.
  • If you do not have an oven-proof skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before topping with cheese and baking.
  • Store leftover portions in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for safety and freshness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/keto-italian-ground-beef-and-cauliflower-skillet-recipe/