Name: Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; juice of 1/2 lemon

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If you’re craving something deliciously comforting but still light and wholesome, the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet will quickly become your new go-to weeknight wonder. This one-pan recipe brings together juicy ground turkey, golden florets of cauliflower, aromatic garlic, and a dreamy blanket of buttery goodness for the ultimate quick-fix meal. Every bite bursts with savory flavors, hints of zest, and that irresistible garlicky warmth — all while keeping it low-carb and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a skillet sensation you’ll want to whip up again and again!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of familiar kitchen staples is all it takes to bring this skillet to life. Every ingredient plays its part, adding character, color, and flavor to create a dish that truly shines. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few of my favorite tips for each one:

Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and perfectly hearty, it soaks up all those garlicky, buttery flavors.
Unsalted butter: The backbone of the luscious sauce and key for that rich, savory aroma — use unsalted to control the seasoning.
Cauliflower: Cut into small florets, it becomes tender and soaks up every bit of flavor while keeping things healthful.
Onion: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to kickstart the skillet.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced — the heart of the recipe that fills your kitchen with an intoxicating scent!
Paprika: Adds a smoky hint and a beautiful pop of color.
Italian seasoning: Gives the skillet that classic, herby undertone you’ll crave in every bite.
Salt: Balances the flavors and draws out the best in every ingredient.
Black pepper: A subtle kick to round out the seasoning.
Chicken broth: Just a splash to help steam the cauliflower and blend all those savory notes together.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, fresh finish (don’t skip it — it truly makes a difference).
Lemon juice: Squeezed in at the end for a burst of tang to wake up the entire dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Start with the Aromatics

Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter sizzles gently, stir in the finely diced onion and let it soften for about three minutes. This builds the savory base that will pull all the ingredients together. As soon as the onion begins to turn translucent, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. That garlicky fragrance? It’s a sure sign you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey right into your skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. As it cooks, keep stirring and breaking it apart, allowing it to brown evenly and soak up all those seasonings. The sizzling turkey will soon look golden and inviting — and your kitchen will smell utterly amazing.

Step 3: Add Cauliflower and Simmer

Once the turkey is cooked through, scatter the cauliflower florets into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth to give the veggies the moisture they need to steam and tenderize. Pop a lid on the skillet and let everything bubble together for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for cauliflower that’s tender but still retains a gentle bite — no mushiness here!

Step 4: Brighten and Finish

With the lid off, squeeze in that fresh lemon juice. Let the skillet cook for another minute or two, just enough for the extra liquid to reduce and concentrate all the flavors. Sprinkle over the freshly chopped parsley and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. It’s ready to serve — warm, hearty, and brimming with savory delight!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

This skillet loves a flourish of color and freshness just before serving. A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a touch of vibrancy. You might also scatter a bit of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top if you like a hint of heat — these small touches bring out the flavors and give the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet a restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Thanks to the robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish can stand alone as a low-carb, feel-good meal. But if you’re feeding a hungry crowd or want to soak up all that buttery sauce, think about serving it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or even a slice of warm crusty bread. For an extra veggie boost, a simple green salad or roasted broccolini on the side is fantastic, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to shake things up, try stuffing the skillet mixture into roasted bell pepper halves or serving it over baked sweet potatoes for a colorful twist. You can also spoon the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet into lettuce cups for crunchy, low-carb wraps that are fun, fresh, and perfect for sharing at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. The Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal preps and effortless lunches!

Freezing

This dish also freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags (removing as much air as possible), and stash them in the freezer for up to three months. A quick tip: flatten the bags for easy stacking and quicker thawing when you’re ready for your next cozy dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet mixture gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions until piping hot. As a bonus, the flavors seem to deepen even more after a day or two in the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower works in a pinch. Make sure to add it straight from the freezer and be ready to cook off a little extra moisture — just simmer until tender and most liquid is gone.

What can I substitute for ground turkey?

If you don’t have ground turkey on hand, ground chicken or even ground beef make great alternatives. Each protein brings a slightly different flavor but fits beautifully in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

By default, the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is mild with a gentle kick from black pepper and paprika. If you’re a spice lover, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, try substituting the butter with a quality dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter spread. You’ll still get that wonderfully rich flavor in each bite.

How can I bulk up this dish for a heartier meal?

If you’d like to make it even more filling, serve your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet over grains like cooked brown rice, farro, or even some creamy mashed potatoes. It’s fantastic for stretching the servings and soaking up every bit of the buttery sauce!

Final Thoughts

Truly, there’s something magical about a dinner that comes together quickly, uses kitchen staples, and fills your home with mouthwatering aroma. I hope you’ll give this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet a try — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again for weeknights, meal preps, or anytime you need simple comfort food that just happens to be healthy, too!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Tender ground turkey is cooked with fragrant garlic, butter, and a medley of seasonings, then combined with cauliflower for a low-carb twist. Finished with a pop of fresh lemon juice and parsley, this dish is both wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Cook Onion: Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add Garlic and Turkey: Stir in the garlic, then add the ground turkey. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Cook Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
Finish: Remove the lid, add lemon juice, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in parsley, adjust seasonings, and serve.