Sausage Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet (Low-Carb & Cozy!)

Name: Sausage Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet (Cozy, Cheesy & Low-Carb!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground Italian sausage; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/3 cup diced red onion; 1/3 cup diced green pepper (or jalapeño); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes, seeded & diced); 12 oz bag riced cauliflower (or 1 head, riced); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella; 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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If weeknight dinners leave you frazzled and hungry, this Sausage Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet might just be your new go-to. It’s warm, cheesy, perfectly spiced and secretly low-carb. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan. Cozy cravings, meet your match.

Where This Recipe Comes From

Inspired by Weeknight Chaos

This skillet was born out of one of those nights you know the ones. The fridge was looking sad, the clock said 6:45, and everyone was starving. I grabbed a pack of sausage, riced cauliflower from the freezer, and taco seasoning. A little magic happened in that cast iron pan, and now it’s on weekly repeat!

Vertical image of a sausage taco cauliflower rice skillet with melty cheese and a serving spoon in a black cast iron pan.

Taco Tuesday, Reinvented

We’re big fans of taco anything around here. But sometimes tortillas feel a little… heavy. This skillet gives all the taco flavor minus the carbs and mess. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and protein, which means you can feel great going in for seconds. If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors, this easy Taco Meat Recipe for busy nights is another fast weeknight favorite you’ll want to bookmark too.

What Makes This Skillet So Special

The Savory Mix

Think sizzling Italian sausage, sweet red onions, spicy green peppers, juicy tomatoes, and tender cauliflower rice all tied together with melty cheese and a smoky taco seasoning kick. It’s hearty but not heavy, bold but not overpowering.

Fast, Filling & Fuss-Free

It’s a 30-minute wonder that hits all the right notes:
✔️ Low-carb
✔️ Keto and gluten-free friendly
✔️ No chopping marathons
✔️ Crowd-pleasing flavor

This one-skillet beauty is perfect when you want something cozy without a sink full of dishes. And if sausage is your thing, don’t miss our round-up of comforting Ground Sausage Dinner Recipes all packed with easy flavor.

Sausage taco cauliflower rice skillet topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup diced green pepper (or jalapeño for heat)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes, seeded & diced)
12 oz bag riced cauliflower (or 1 head, riced)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or packet)
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Sausage Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooked sausage and cauliflower rice skillet with bell peppers and onions before cheese is added.

Brown the Sausage
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Sauté Veggies
Stir in diced onion, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about a minute just until fragrant and slightly soft.
Steam the Cauliflower Rice
Microwave according to the package, or steam it quickly on the stovetop.
Mix Everything In
Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, chicken broth, and steamed cauliflower rice. Stir it all together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until most of the liquid has cooked off.
Simmer & Melt
Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.
Cheese It Up
Sprinkle on both cheeses, cover again, and let them melt into cheesy bliss. Top with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Looking for a light and zesty side to round out the meal? You’ll love serving this skillet with our Fresh Tomato Salsa it adds the perfect tangy crunch to balance the richness.

This mouthwatering macro shot highlights a spoonful of sausage taco cauliflower rice skillet, capturing the savory texture and rich seasoning in detail.

Serving It Up Right

What to Pair It With

This skillet is perfect all on its own, but if you want to round it out:
Try it with avocado slices, crunchy slaw, or a dollop of sour cream.

You can even scoop it up with chips for a nacho vibe.

When to Serve

It’s ideal for:

Weeknight dinners
Meal prep lunches
Game night grub
Taco Tuesday (the remix!)

Served in a cozy white bowl, this sausage taco cauliflower rice skillet makes a comforting, low-carb dinner packed with flavor and color.

Notes & Tips

Swap sausage with ground turkey or beef if needed
Add jalapeños or lime slices for extra pop
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days
Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great just add a little extra seasoning.

Is this recipe keto and gluten-free?

Yep, it’s both! Just double-check your taco seasoning to be sure it’s gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well and keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why I’ll Keep Making This

It’s warm. It’s cheesy. It’s quick. And every time I make it, someone at the table says, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” That’s reason enough to keep a bag of cauliflower rice in the freezer at all times.

Sausage Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet (Cozy, Cheesy & Low-Carb!)

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