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Dirty Keto Cauliflower Rice 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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