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Cauliflower rice skillet with zucchini and kielbasa topped with melted cheddar cheese in a wide skillet

Cauliflower Rice Skillet with Zucchini and Kielbasa

A hearty one-pan low-carb dinner made with smoky kielbasa, tender zucchini, frozen peas, and cauliflower rice seasoned with Dijon mustard and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 467

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 14 oz kielbasa sausage sliced into rounds
  • 4 tbsp butter half a stick
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets, about 4 cups once riced
  • 2 medium zucchini chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp salt start with 1 tsp, add more to taste at the end
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar recommended

Equipment

  • Large wide-bottomed skillet
  • Food processor
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Chop the cauliflower into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Working in 3 batches, pulse in a food processor with 4 to 5 quick one-second pulses per batch until it resembles rice grains. Do not over-process. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large wide-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir occasionally for another 2 to 3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to just above medium. Add the butter to the remaining sausage fat in the skillet. Once melted and hot, add all the cauliflower rice. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden in spots.
  4. Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine. Add the chopped zucchini and stir. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower rice and zucchini are tender.
  5. Add the frozen peas and reserved kielbasa back to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Turn off the heat. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese, or place under a broiler for about 1 minute until bubbling and lightly golden. Serve immediately.

Notes

Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and adjust at the end since kielbasa already carries significant sodium. Do not over-pulse the cauliflower or it will become mushy. Pre-riced cauliflower from the store (5 to 6 cups) works as a time-saving substitute. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.