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Keto Ground Beef and Cauliflower Mash Bowl (Comfort Food Style) - Cozy, Satisfying, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cauliflower Mash:
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for texture)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Ground Beef:
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check for low sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or beef tallow
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Shredded cheddar or Parmesan
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Method
 

  1. Steam the cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to a pot with a steamer basket and a small amount of water. Cover and steam until very tender, about 10–12 minutes. You want it soft enough to mash easily.
  2. Dry it out: Transfer the cauliflower to a colander and let it drain for 2–3 minutes. Then pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture keeps the mash creamy, not watery.
  3. Make the mash: In a food processor or with an immersion blender, blend the cauliflower with butter, cream cheese, garlic, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Add more cream as needed until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  4. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until well browned with crispy edges, 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add the onion to the other and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Toast the tomato paste for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  7. Simmer: Pour in beef broth and scrape up any brown bits. Reduce heat and simmer 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Assemble bowls: Spoon a generous layer of cauliflower mash into each bowl. Top with the saucy ground beef. Finish with parsley or chives, and a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
  9. Serve hot: Add red pepper flakes for a little kick. Grab a spoon and enjoy.