Easy Cauliflower Rice Paella (Mexican Style!)

I recently tried out al fresco Mild Mexican Chicken Style Sausage and knew it was the perfect ingredient to make an easy cauliflower rice paella – Mexican style, of course! This simple one-dish recipe includes the chicken sausage along with shrimp, vegetables and cauliflower rice, making it a one-dish paleo meal that’s low in carbs and sugar as well.

A new twist on Taco Tuesday – or any day!

My family loves taco night just as much as anyones … but sometimes I like to switch is up a bit. I think we can all appreciate a one-dish recipe (read: easy clean up) that includes a lot of vegetables, and this cauliflower rice paella definitely fits the bill! Seriously – if you can open a can and a few bags of frozen vegetables, you’re halfway there! After getting this Mexican Style Chicken Sausage, I knew it’d be perfect for making a Mexican version of paella.

A Mexican cauliflower rice recipe

You may be asking yourself – do I have to use cauliflower rice in this? Truth be told, I eat grain-free but the rest of my family does not. Whether you are seeking out a grain-free recipe or a paleo dish or you simply want to encourage your kids to eat more vegetables, this dish can accomplish all of these tasks. When I served it, I included brown rice on the side for those who wished to eat it. Since I don’t often eat rice, I had it as is and it was delicious. Those who chose to include rice may have had a more filling meal, but this has plenty of protein and vegetables already to keep you satiated.

About al fresco Mild Mexican Style Chicken Sausage

While al fresco has sponsored this post and provided product for me to try, I was delighted with the product and look forward to using it again in future recipes to make healthy recipes quickly and easily. Though it says “mild” on the package, it’s crafted with hatch chilies and Mexican spices which gives is a kick that makes it the perfect addition to many quick weeknight meals. I will be using it on my nachos, in soups, burritos and tacos, too. Love how it’s fully cooked and you can throw it right in!

How to make cauliflower rice

While you can buy frozen cauliflower rice ready-made, you can also make it on your own if you prefer. Here’s how:

1. Cut the cauliflower into chunks, including the cores.
2. Place into a food processor (note – a blender won’t work).
3. Pulse until the cauliflower resembles the texture of rice. Work in batches, if necessary, and be careful not to over-process or it’ll get mushy. If you don’t have a food processor, you can grate the cauliflower with a box grater.

As mentioned, you can also buy it ready to use which makes this one-dish meal even easier and quicker.

Print

Easy Cauliflower Rice Paella

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

 

Cauliflower Rice Paella (Mexican Style) is a tasty one-dish meal that has al fresco Mexican Style Chicken Sausage, frozen shrimp, cauliflower rice and other real food ingredients.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 6

Calories: 219 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups cauliflower rice (either frozen, or fresh cut into rice)
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 1 large orange bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic , diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes , undrained
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 2 links Mild Mexican Style Chicken Sausage
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cups frozen shrimp
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

1. Place paella pan or large flat-bottomed pan with olive oil over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Add onion, pepper and garlic and continue to cook for 2 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes, bay leaves and other spices, sausage, tomato paste and broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer 15 minutes.

3. Remove lid and fold in peas and remaining 1 cup of cauliflower rice. Place frozen shrimp on top of the paella mixture, cover and steam for another 10 minutes. Remove lid, check for doneness and when done, turn off heat. Remove bay leaves and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Easy Cauliflower Rice Paella

Amount Per Serving

Calories 219 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 181mg60%

Sodium 870mg38%

Potassium 634mg18%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 1326IU27%

Vitamin C 96mg116%

Calcium 151mg15%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

There you go! I hope you love this easy one-dish meal. If you’re doing Whole30, eat paleo, low carb or just like lots of vegetables and protein, this is an easy weeknight meal that feels like you put lots more effort into it. Enjoy!