Low Carb Burrito Bowl

Featured in: Family Dinners

Craft a flavorful Low Carb Burrito Bowl in under an hour. Start by browning ground beef with a vibrant mix of Mexican-inspired spices, including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, alongside diced onions and bell peppers. Simultaneously, prepare fluffy cauliflower rice. Assemble your bowls with a base of fresh romaine lettuce, then layer the seasoned beef and cauliflower rice. Finish with a colorful array of toppings: cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime brightens every bite.

Updated on Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:10:43 GMT
A Low Carb Burrito Bowl with seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh toppings on a fork. Save
A Low Carb Burrito Bowl with seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh toppings on a fork. | griddleglory.com

Ground beef sizzles with spices while cauliflower rice soaks up savory juices. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime come together in each satisfying, low-carb bowl. This Mexican-inspired dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free meal that is ready in just 35 minutes.

A Low Carb Burrito Bowl with seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh toppings on a fork. Save
A Low Carb Burrito Bowl with seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh toppings on a fork. | griddleglory.com

This recipe provides a healthy alternative to traditional burrito bowls by replacing high-carb rice with seasoned cauliflower rice. The savory ground beef combined with creamy avocado and tangy lime creates a balanced profile that satisfies every craving without the gluten.

Ingredients

  • 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
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Instructions

Step 1
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 a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
Step 3
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
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
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
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
To assemble, divide shredded romaine among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture.
Step 8
Spoon cauliflower rice beside or under the beef in each bowl.
Step 9
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
Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl before eating for a bright, tangy finish.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Store components separately for up to 3 days and assemble when ready to eat to maintain freshness. To ensure the cauliflower rice has the best texture, cook it until it is just tender but not mushy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bowl. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and use coconut yogurt or avocado crema. Alternatively, substitute cauliflower rice with shredded cabbage for a crunchy variation.

Serviervorschläge

For those who enjoy extra heat, add pickled jalapeños or fresh sliced jalapeño on top. Always serve with extra lime wedges to provide a bright, tangy finish to the savory beef and vegetables.

In a Low Carb Burrito Bowl, seasoned beef and cauliflower rice pair with crisp lettuce and avocado. Save
In a Low Carb Burrito Bowl, seasoned beef and cauliflower rice pair with crisp lettuce and avocado. | griddleglory.com

This Low Carb Burrito Bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal that delivers 405 calories and 27g of healthy fats per serving. It is a perfect solution for a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine.

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Cooking Questions

Can I use a different protein for this dish?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter alternatives to ground beef without compromising flavor. You can swap them in directly for the beef in the cooking steps.

How can I make this spicier?

For an extra kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend, or add fresh or pickled jalapeños to your toppings. A dash of hot sauce also works well.

What if I don't have cauliflower rice?

If cauliflower rice isn't available, you can substitute it with shredded cabbage for a crunchy, raw base, or even finely chopped steamed broccoli for a similar low-carb texture.

How long do leftovers last and how should they be stored?

The individual components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to assemble the bowls just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, easily! Simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream/Greek yogurt. You can use an avocado crema or a dairy-free sour cream alternative if desired, or just enjoy it without.

What's the best way to ensure the ground beef is flavorful?

Ensure you thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it up well, and then allow the spices to cook with the beef and vegetables for a couple of minutes to bloom their flavors before tasting and adjusting seasoning.

Low Carb Burrito Bowl

Enjoy a fulfilling low carb meal featuring seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh greens, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime finish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

For the Seasoned Beef

01 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 small yellow onion, diced, about ½ cup
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 medium red bell pepper, diced, about ½ cup
06 1 tablespoon chili powder
07 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
10 ½ teaspoon onion powder
11 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cauliflower Rice

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

For Assembly and Garnish

01 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
02 ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 ½ avocado, diced
04 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
06 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
07 Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Heat Skillet: Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.

Phase 03

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.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Phase 06

Prepare 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.

Phase 07

Assemble Base: Divide shredded romaine among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture.

Phase 08

Add Cauliflower Rice: Spoon cauliflower rice beside or under the beef in each bowl.

Phase 09

Garnish Bowls: 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.

Phase 10

Serve with Lime: Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl before eating for a bright, tangy finish.

Necessary tools

  • Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Bowls for serving

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt). Possible cross-contamination with dairy if using butter.
  • Gluten-free: ensure all spice blends and dairy are certified gluten-free. For dairy-free option, see Notes.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 405
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 29 g