If you’ve ever dreamed of a dinner that’s creamy, garlicky, wholesome, and on the table in just half an hour, let me introduce you to my beloved Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet. This one-skillet wonder brings together lean ground turkey, crisp-tender cauliflower, and a generous bath of garlic butter – all uplifted with a hint of herbs and just enough heat. It’s low carb, packed with protein, totally comforting, and sneaks in a nourishing veggie for a main course you’ll want to make again and again. Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet does important work: building flavor, adding texture, or providing a burst of color. I love how straightforward the shopping list is, yet how special the results taste.

Olive oil: Helps brown the turkey and gives the dish its luscious mouthfeel.
Ground turkey: Lean and hearty, it brings plenty of protein while soaking up that garlicky butter flavor.
Unsalted butter: The key to the dish’s silkiness and that irresistible, indulgent taste.
Garlic (minced): Don’t hold back! Garlic infuses every bite with wonderful aroma and warmth.
Onion (diced): Adds savory sweetness and softens beautifully in the skillet.
Cauliflower (cut into florets): The star veggie, it soaks up flavors and turns tender yet crisp.
Paprika: Provides a gentle smokiness that wakes up the whole skillet.
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal backbone to the recipe.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pop of gentle heat if you’re in the mood.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors – be generous but taste as you go.
Chicken broth or water: Adds moisture and helps cook the cauliflower while the flavors mingle.
Fresh parsley (chopped): A splash of green and a bit of freshness at the end.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Delivers a salty, cheesy finish – totally irresistible.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground turkey, and use a spoon or spatula to cook and break it up as it browns, about 5 to 6 minutes. You want it to be nicely golden and cooked through, setting up a flavorful foundation for your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Push the browned turkey to one side of your skillet and add the butter to the open space. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Let them sizzle and soften for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until incredibly fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Now, gently fold everything together in the pan for one glorious, buttery mixture.

Step 3: Add Cauliflower and Seasonings

Tumble the cauliflower florets into the skillet, then shower over the paprika, dried thyme, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well, making sure those creamy garlic butter flavors coat every piece of cauliflower and turkey.

Step 4: Steam and Soften

Pour in the chicken broth or water, then cover your skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything steam gently for 10 to 12 minutes – it’s amazing how quickly the cauliflower transforms into tender perfection, soaking up every drop of flavor from the pan.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Uncover the skillet and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, reducing any extra liquid until the skillet looks glossy and inviting. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and, if you’re feeling fancy, some grated Parmesan cheese for that signature savory touch. Serve the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet hot, right out of the pan!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

For that final flourish, nothing beats a scattering of extra fresh parsley and a generous snow of grated Parmesan. Some cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky salt really makes the flavors pop in your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet. If you want a bright note, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top is fabulous, too.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines on its own, but it pairs delightfully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, a pile of garlicky roasted veggies, or even a handful of warm, toasted bread to soak up the garlicky juices. For a low-carb meal, stick to fresh cucumber ribbons or delicate steamed green beans alongside your skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet into shallow bowls or wide plates and top each serving with crunchy fried onions, toasted pine nuts, or even a drizzle of chili oil for a bold twist. For meal prep or lunches, try portioning individual servings into glass meal prep containers – it reheats deliciously, making every bite feel like a home-cooked treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the skillet has cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The flavors meld and deepen beautifully as it sits, so don’t be surprised if your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet tastes even better the next day! Stored properly in the fridge, it will keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This skillet meal is a fantastic candidate for freezing. Simply cool the dish completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems a bit dry, splash in a little extra broth or water to bring back that luscious, saucy vibe. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or parmesan just before serving to freshen things up!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully and absorbs the garlic butter and seasonings just as well. You’ll end up with a slightly lighter flavor profile which can be a nice variation for your skillet lineup.

Is there a dairy-free option for this skillet?

Yes, making this dish dairy-free is straightforward: simply replace the butter with extra olive oil and skip the Parmesan at the end. You’ll still enjoy a rich, savory skillet that highlights the garlic and herbs.

Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in a handful of baby spinach in the last couple of minutes for an extra leafy boost. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even halved cherry tomatoes can be delicious, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What’s the best way to cut cauliflower for this recipe?

Cutting your cauliflower into small, uniform florets ensures they cook quickly and absorb all those buttery, garlicky flavors. Try to keep the pieces roughly bite-sized for the best texture and to make serving a breeze.

How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

The trick is not to overcook the ground turkey during the browning step, and to make sure you use enough chicken broth or water in the skillet. The butter and onions will also help lock in moisture, so your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet stays juicy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet! It’s one of those magical recipes that delivers on every front: fast, flavorful, and full of nourishing ingredients. Gather your skillet, rally your taste buds, and bring this dish to your table – it truly never disappoints.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 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 easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender ground turkey, fragrant garlic butter, and wholesome cauliflower come together in a deliciously seasoned skillet dish. Top it off with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Turkey Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey

Garlic Butter and Vegetables:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional:

1/4 cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–6 minutes.
Prepare Garlic Butter: Push the turkey to one side of the pan and melt the butter on the empty side. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir everything together in the skillet. Add cauliflower, paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
Cook Cauliflower: Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.