Cheesy Cauliflower Helper

Ever since I learned about subbing cauliflower for rice I have been experimenting with different ways to change up my favorite recipes. This one is a spin on one of our mom's favorite dishes. 

It is similar to the "hamburger helper" packets you can buy at the grocery store but healthier :)

Give this a try when you want something quick, easy, tasty, and healthy. 

I'm thinking the kids might even give this a go. 

According to Myfitnesspal, one serving of this (recipe makes 4 servings) is:

375 calories, 16 carbs, 18 fat, 39 protein, and 6 fiber.

Not to shabby for a such a large serving!

Cheesy Cauliflower Helper

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground beef

1 medium/large head cauliflower

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

salt & pepper

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup no fat cream cheese

1/3 cup 1% milk

1 cup shredded aged, light cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp dried mustard

dash hot sauce

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

In a large frying pan, start cooking the ground beef over medium heat, stirring to break up.

While beef is cooking, chop cauliflower into small florets and boil in the prepared pot of water. Cook the cauliflower until it is tender, about 8 - 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to keep warm.

When beef is almost done (only a bit of pink remaining), add in the onion, garlic, salt & pepper, onion & garlic powder. Cook until beef is done and onions are soft. Reduce heat. 

In the same pot you cooked the cauliflower, stir together the cream cheese, milk, cheddar cheese, dry mustard, and hot sauce.

Place on burner that should still be warm from cooking the cauliflower. (Burner does not need to be turned on, there should still be enough heat. - If not, turn heat to low.)

Stir continuously until cheese sauce is smooth.

Stir the cooked beef mixture into  the cheese sauce. Then stir in the warm cauliflower. 

Toss well to ensure everything is well coated.

Serve immediately. (If you find it is not hot enough simply turn the burner on medium heat for a few minutes until everything is heated through again.)

I served mine on a bed of baby spinach and topped with a pinch more aged cheddar. 

Note - this dish is very mild as far as flavors go. Be sure to use a nice strong cheese so the flavor of the cheddar shines through. 

If I had to describe the flavor of this - I would say it reminds me of the inside of a cabbage roll minus the tomato sauce, of course. 

We're sharing at this fun and fabulous linky party - Carole's Chatter