If you're on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your table, look no further than Skillet Sicilian Beef and Cauliflower! This delightful one-pan meal combines succulent ground beef with tender cauliflower, aromatic garlic, and zesty tomatoes, all topped off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that will leave your family asking for seconds. Dive into this savory dish and discover how easy it is to create a flavorful Italian feast at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Add diced onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chopped cauliflower to the skillet and mix well with the beef and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to start softening.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes. This allows the cauliflower to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Uncover and check that cauliflower is cooked to your desired tenderness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the skillet just before serving. Let it slightly melt into the hot dish.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, portioning into four equal servings.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop the cauliflower and onions ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to break the ground beef into small crumbles while cooking. This ensures even browning and a better texture in your dish.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer covered for 10-12 minutes is key to letting the flavors meld together and the cauliflower to soften perfectly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving! Depending on your preference, you might want to add a pinch more salt or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve this dish alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
