Cheeseburger Cauliflower Skillet

So, I'm still working hard on this changing my lifestyle kick, by eating healthy, especially in moderation, managing calories and also being way more active and exercising (at least for 30 minutes 3 times a week).  And to be honest, it's becoming more natural now that I'm aware how fast calories add up -- even the little things.  Fortunately, I see it paying off to - since beginning of November, I am down 15 lbs.

Anyway, one of the big things is calorie counting.  Did you know 1.5 cups (cooked) of Wide Egg Noodles (No-Yolk) = 200 calories just by itself?  And unfortunately, I have this craving for buttered noodles.  Butter (or margarine) is 70 calories for a single tablespoon!  I put a stick of butter (8 tablespoons) into the pot.  I won't tell you how much of the noodles I could eat... or have eaten.  It's sad.  Very very sad.

But the only way I have found myself to be successful in staying dedicated is... forgiveness. We're human.  We're tempted.  I've learned when I fall off the "wagon" to just climb back on take the reins and forgive myself.  You have a 100% chance of not being successful when you don't try.  So I'm trying.  It's not easy, but if it was - then we'd all be our ideal weight and shoving oreos in our mouth every other meal.  Just sayin'. ;)

I'm part of the bagel club on Thursdays, I am considering leaving the group because a bagel and cream cheese can range from 400 to 600 calories.  And if you're like me, my calorie limit is 1900.  Now that I've been eating healthier I can tell foods that satisfy my hunger and those that satisfy my cravings.  Bagels = unnecessary carbs = cravings.  Therefore an hour after eating a bagel, I am starving.

Sorry that was a HUGE tangent.  My point is - I'm looking for replacement foods that satisfy the foods I crave.  Cauliflower has turned out to be a very delicious, filling way to fill the need for noodles - and it's also really healthy.  1/2 cup of cooked (boiled) cauliflower = 14 calories.  When you compare that to the buttered noodles I described above, you would have to eat almost TEN cups of cooked cauliflower to equal the calories of a small 1.5 cups of cooked noodles (with butter).  SAY WHAT?

I don't remember how I fell upon this recipe, all I know is I started it at 5:55 (when Justin got home) and had it on the table cooling by 6:22.  You can serve it hot, but because Josh is a bit temperature sensitive - I let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Please forgive me - I was too hungry to capture a picture of the ingredients --- however most of them (other than maybe the cauliflower) you should have in your kitchen.  The greatest part of this recipe - is that it has comforting features (like the cheese) but it is also healthy because of the cauliflower.  It reminded me of Hamburger Helper but with cauliflower.

Adapted from Healthy Low Carb Living

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1/2 cup onion (I used 1/2 a medium yellow onion)

1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 head cauliflower
1-1.5 cups cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon seasoning salt (This is the kind I use)

1 teaspoon garlic salt

cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Break the head of the cauliflower up, put just enough water to have about 2 inches of water under the cauliflower (they will float).  I used a low profile pot - so it's bigger around but shorter.   Turn the stove on HIGH, and set a timer for 10 minutes.  

When the timer goes off, begin browning the meat in a large saute pan (don't need to drain unless there is a lot of liquid).  Add the diced onions and cook until softened.   By this time the cauliflower should be boiled to the point of soft but not mushy.  To test the cauliflower, poke a fork in it and if it doesn't stay - try slicing it with the fork.  The fork should easily slice through the cauliflower.  If that is the case, put the cauliflower in the pan with the meat.

Mix in the seasoning, stir for a minute and then add the cheese. Stir the ingredients until the cheese is melted and almost turned into a sauce.  

Serve immediately.  I also served with corn (because Josh likes corn).  

Enjoy!