Introduction

This Dirty Keto Cauliflower Rice is a flavorful, low-carb twist on traditional fried rice, packed with savory ground meat and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone looking for a satisfying, healthy meal.

A close-up of a cooked dish in a black pan showing four main layers: the bottom layer is finely browned ground meat mixed with small bits of cooked vegetables, which looks crumbly and rich brown; the middle layer consists of small orange and yellow diced vegetables, offering a soft and slightly shiny texture; the top layer is brightly colored with chopped green onions and small red pieces, giving a fresh and crunchy look; a wooden spoon is scooping into the dish, showing an inviting mix of all layers. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp bacon drippings or avocado oil
1 pound ground venison or your ground meat of choice
4 ribs celery, diced
1 cup diced bell pepper
½ cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
¾ tsp paprika
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1½ tsp salt, divided
1 tsp garlic powder, divided
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup chicken stock or water
12 oz frozen cauliflower rice
Sliced green onions and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat a heavy-bottomed or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon drippings or avocado oil, then the ground meat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until it begins to caramelize. It’s fine if some bits stick to the pan.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and onions are translucent. Stir in minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute.
Step 3: Add the frozen cauliflower rice and chicken stock or water. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well, using the liquid to loosen any browned bits from the pan bottom—this creates the “dirty” color in the cauliflower rice. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower is tender and the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use ground beef, pork, or turkey if you prefer over venison.
For extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or include chopped jalapeños.
Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option if you omit the meat.
To keep it dairy-free, avoid adding cheese or butter; the bacon drippings add plenty of flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Avoid adding extra liquid when reheating to keep the rice from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a mound of cooked bulgur salad sits on a white cloth over a white marbled surface. The dish has small grain-like pieces in light brown mixed with finely chopped red onions, red bell peppers, and green herbs scattered throughout. The textures look soft and slightly oily, with small flecks of seasoning visible. Some fresh green parsley leaves are placed on top, adding contrast and freshness to the warm colors of the salad. In the background, there is a blurred second bowl with the same dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cauliflower rice works well. Just reduce the cooking liquid slightly since fresh cauliflower releases more moisture than frozen.

Is this recipe suitable for other low-carb diets besides keto?

Absolutely. This dish is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and vegetables, making it great for paleo, Atkins, or general low-carb eating plans.

Dirty Keto Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 296 reviews

Dirty Keto Cauliflower Rice is a flavorful low-carb dish featuring ground venison sautéed with aromatic vegetables and spices, combined with tender cauliflower rice. This recipe offers a satisfying, keto-friendly alternative to traditional rice dishes, infused with smoky bacon drippings or avocado oil and finished with fresh green onions and parsley for a vibrant touch.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb, Keto

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 tbsp bacon drippings or avocado oil
1 pound ground venison or your ground meat of choice
4 ribs celery, diced
1 cup diced bell pepper
½ cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 oz frozen cauliflower rice
¼ cup chicken stock or water

Spices and Seasonings

¾ tsp paprika
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1½ tsp salt, divided
1 tsp garlic powder, divided
¼ tsp black pepper

Garnishes

Sliced green onions
Chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat and Brown Meat: Preheat a heavy bottomed or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon drippings or avocado oil along with the ground venison. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Brown the ground meat by breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, allowing it to caramelize well. It’s normal if some meat sticks to the pan.
Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and onions turn translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
Add Cauliflower Rice and Liquids: Add the frozen cauliflower rice and the ¼ cup chicken stock or water to the skillet. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir thoroughly, using the liquid to deglaze the pan and loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This process imparts the ‘dirty’ color to the cauliflower rice.
Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower rice is fully tender and no excess liquid remains in the pan. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve hot as a delicious keto-friendly meal or side dish.

Notes

You can substitute ground venison with ground beef, turkey, or chicken based on preference.
Bacon drippings add a smoky depth but avocado oil keeps it healthier and plant-based friendly.
Using a heavy-bottomed or cast iron skillet helps achieve perfect caramelization and flavor development.
Frozen cauliflower rice should be added directly without thawing to prevent sogginess.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your taste.
Chicken stock can be replaced with water or vegetable stock if preferred.

Keywords: Keto, cauliflower rice, venison, low carb, dirty rice, ground meat, paleo-friendly, ketogenic, gluten free