Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Looking for a dish that’s not only healthy but also packed with rich, savory flavors? This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is the answer! It’s an easy, one-pan meal that combines the lean goodness of ground turkey with the delightful crunch of cauliflower, all cooked in a velvety garlic butter sauce. The result? A dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to keep you coming back for more

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

This recipe is the perfect balance of healthy, hearty, and indulgent all at once. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Quick & Easy: It takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
• Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce brings a rich, savory flavor that complements the turkey and cauliflower beautifully.
• Low-Carb: A great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. The cauliflower serves as a healthy and satisfying substitute for carbs.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is required, making this dish super convenient for busy days.
• Versatile: You can easily tweak the recipe to your liking, adding different herbs, spices, or even swapping out the cauliflower for other veggies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious garlic butter turkey skillet:

Ground Turkey: The lean protein in this dish, which cooks up juicy and tender, taking on all the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Cauliflower: A healthy, low-carb vegetable that takes on a beautiful texture when sautéed, giving the dish a hearty feel.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that rich, aromatic punch that is essential for the garlic butter flavor.
Butter: The secret to the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the cauliflower and turkey.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Provides some liquid to cook the turkey and cauliflower, infusing the dish with flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of color.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a bit of heat and extra flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this tasty, savory skillet:

Sauté the Cauliflower: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they start to turn golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Ground Turkey: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and then add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned, about 7-8 minutes.
Add the Garlic and Onion: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the turkey, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the butter to the pan, stirring until it melts and coats the turkey and onion. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Combine and Season: Return the sautéed cauliflower to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy this savory, comforting meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

This skillet dish is tasty on its own, but here are some ideas to serve it with:

• A Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery flavor of the turkey and cauliflower.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for more color and nutrition.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re craving more of a “rice” feel, serve the skillet on top of cauliflower rice for a totally low-carb, delicious meal.
• Crusty Bread: If you’re not avoiding carbs, some crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the garlic butter sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a more hearty side, mashed potatoes complement the savory turkey and cauliflower very well.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Cauliflower: While frozen cauliflower is convenient, fresh cauliflower tends to hold up better in this dish, giving it a bit more texture.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to add more nutrients and flavor to the skillet.
• Adjust the Seasonings: If you like more garlic, feel free to add extra cloves. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to elevate the flavor.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A1: Yes, ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. It will give the dish a slightly lighter flavor, but it’s still delicious.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free version.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A3: Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you choose.

Q4: Is this dish keto-friendly?
A4: Yes! This garlic butter ground turkey with cauliflower skillet is low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great option for anyone following a keto diet.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet. You can also add more crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Q6: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A6: You can, but fresh cauliflower holds up better in the skillet and has a firmer texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A7: Yes! If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a creamy, melty finish.

Q8: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.

Q9: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A9: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to serve.

Q10: Can I use a different protein instead of turkey?
A10: Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even ground pork in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a true winner—packed with flavor, healthy ingredients, and easy to make. Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb diet or simply looking for a quick, satisfying meal, this skillet is perfect for any occasion. Plus, the rich garlic butter sauce makes every bite irresistible. You’re going to love how simple and delicious this dish is!

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