This Spicy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Turkey is a flavorful, low-carb meal that’s packed with protein and bold spices. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner. With tender ground turkey, spicy seasonings, and riced cauliflower, this dish is satisfying while keeping things light and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & High-Protein – A healthy and filling meal without excess carbs.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
- Spicy & Flavorful – Bold seasonings make every bite exciting.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for a stress-free dinner.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground turkey (lean)
- Cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Jalapeño or red chili flakes (for heat)
- Bell pepper (diced)
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Fresh lime juice (for brightness)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra flavor
- Hot sauce for extra spice
- Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for added veggies
Directions

Cook the Ground Turkey:
- Heat Oil – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Cook Turkey – Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Meat – Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the Veggies & Cauliflower Rice:
- Add Peppers & Tomato Paste – Stir in bell peppers, jalapeño, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mix in Cauliflower Rice – Add the riced cauliflower and broth, stirring well.
- Simmer – Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish & Serve:
- Add Lime Juice – Stir in fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Top with fresh cilantro and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Mild Version – Skip the jalapeño and use mild chili powder.
- Mexican-Style – Add black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Thai-Inspired – Use ginger, coconut aminos, and a splash of sriracha.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Rice – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra creaminess.
- Keto Version – Add more healthy fats like avocado or butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of riced cauliflower?
Yes! Just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized.
How do I make this spicier?
Add extra jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this dish?
Try a side salad, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the spice.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or black beans.
How do I keep cauliflower rice from getting soggy?
Cook it uncovered to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes! Just cook a few extra minutes to remove excess water.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! Feta, cotija, or shredded cheddar all work great.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and keto-approved.
Can I use different seasonings?
Yes! Try Cajun, taco, or curry seasoning for a new flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Turkey is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for any night of the week! Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, meal prep option, or something with a little spice, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free meal!
PrintSpicy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Turkey
This Spicy Cauliflower Rice with Ground Turkey is a hearty, one-pan meal made with seasoned ground turkey, sautéed cauliflower rice, and a kick of spice. It’s a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice dishes and can be made in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Healthy
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for brightness)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
- Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato paste and mix well to coat the turkey in the spices.
Step 3: Cook the Cauliflower Rice
- Pour in chicken broth and add cauliflower rice. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add lime juice and stir one last time.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve with avocado slices and extra lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce or more cayenne!
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Cotija cheese before serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.