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Low Carb Taco Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean), or use ground turkey/chicken
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free salsa or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
  • Avocado slices (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding the meat to get good browning.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and break it up. Cook until mostly browned with some crisp edges, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the meat and veggies.
  5. Sauce it up: Pour in salsa (or tomatoes) and broth. Stir and let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add low-carb veggies: Fold in zucchini and riced cauliflower. Cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy and the cauliflower rice is warmed through.
  7. Cheesy finish: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 1–2 minutes.
  8. Brighten: Squeeze in lime juice, taste, and adjust salt or spice as needed.
  9. Top and serve: Finish with cilantro and your favorite toppings like sour cream and avocado. Serve as-is, over shredded lettuce, or with low-carb tortillas.