Spicy sausage and a colorful mix of peppers gives amazing flavor to this Chorizo and Pepper Cauliflower Rice. Made in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

❤️ Why You’ll Love this Chorizo and Pepper Cauliflower Rice

• Spicy chorizo sausage gives amazingly bold flavor
• Colorful mix of poblano and red bell peppers
• Healthy versatile cauliflower rices make this dish hearty
• Zesty lime flavor helps to tame the heat
• Easy to make in less than 25 minutes

This is one of those easy cauliflower recipes that’s packed with flavor and promises to satisfy.  This easy Keto dinner is perfect for a weeknight, when you need something fast, because it takes under 25 minutes to make.

If you’ve never cooked with chorizo sausage before, you’re in for a real treat! It has such wonderful smoky flavors that are popular in Mexican cuisine. The chorizo, along with a blend of spices and peppers, really helps give the cauliflower rice amazing flavor.

🛒 What’s in Chorizo and Pepper Cauliflower Rice

• Chorizo sausage
• Riced cauliflower
• Onions
• Poblano pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Ground cumin
• Cilantro
• Garlic salt
• Butter
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh lime
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet

🔪 How to Make Chorizo Cauliflower Rice

Heat a large skillet to medium and add in the chorizo. 

Cook until browned, then remove and set aside, leaving behind any fat in the pan.

Add in the butter, onions, poblano and red bell pepper, half the salt and pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until tender.

Make a well in the center and add in the garlic.  Sauté for 15 seconds, making sure not to brown it.

Mix until everything is combined, then sprinkle in the ground cumin and smoked paprika. 

Allow the spices to toast for a few seconds, then stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: Toasting the spices helps to activate the flavors.

Add the chorizo back in, along with the chopped cilantro and lime juice. 

Tip: If you don’t like cilantro, you can use fresh parsley instead.

Mix until well combined and continue cooking just until heated through, then serve.

How do you Make your own Cauliflower Rice?

I have a great article that takes you through the steps to making your own, rather than store bought, which can be more expensive.

Is Cauliflower Rice More Healthy? Is Cauliflower Ok for Keto?

For those of us on a low carb or Keto diet, cauliflower rice is a very healthy alternative to rice. And because it’s super versatile, there are so many different ways you can prepare it. Here are some of my favorite Keto cauliflower recipes:

• Cauliflower Risotto
• Coconut Cauliflower Rice
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Easy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Cauliflower Potato Salad

How Many Carbs in Cauliflower Rice?

There are only 4 net carbs in one cup of cauliflower rice, making it perfect for a low carb diet, verses 45 net carbs in traditional rice.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice That Isn’t Mushy?

Using as little moisture as possible is key. In this recipe, I only use butter and a little rendered fat from the chorizo, which helps keep the cauliflower rice from getting soft or mushy.

What’s the Difference Between Riced Cauliflower and Cauliflower Rice?

Although some may refer to “riced cauliflower” as cauliflower that is still raw and others refer to “cauliflower rice” as cauliflower that’s been cooked, the terms are interchangeable.

Can you Eat Chorizo on a Low Carb Diet?

Absolutely! It’s very low in carbs at around 0.5 net carbs per ounce, making it perfect for a Keto or low carb diet. If you like chorizo, you might try this Chorizo Stuffed Mini Peppers, Stuffed Poblano Peppers or Chorizo and Pepper Egg Cups.

What is Chorizo Made of?

Pork chorizo, which is what I used in this recipe, is made from seasoned ground pork and pork fat. It’s very similar to other varieties of sausage, but it’s typically seasoned with smoked paprika, chili peppers, garlic, vinegar and salt. Be sure to check the nutrition label on the package, as ingredients can vary by brand.

If chorizo isn’t really your thing, try swapping it out for this pollo asado that’s also loaded with great flavor and is easy to make!

More Keto Mexican Recipes

• Easy Taco Casserole
• Creamy Chicken Poblano
• Baked Southwest Skillet
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers
• Mexican Cauliflower Rice

*Originally published on July 16, 2018, updated on July 26, 2023 with new photos, improvements to the recipe and helpful tips.