Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines tender ground turkey, tender cauliflower, and a savory garlic butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon for a satisfying meal.

The dish shows a white round plate filled with roasted cauliflower florets that have golden brown charred edges, mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat. There are bright green chopped parsley leaves scattered on top, along with finely grated white cheese and small red chili flakes. Three thin slices of bright yellow lemon are placed on the side of the plate. The food sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the skillet mixture and stir until melted and well mixed.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth when cooking the cauliflower.
  • Swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
  • Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
  • If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the cauliflower.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black skillet filled with cooked ground meat and cauliflower florets mixed with chopped green leafy vegetables and small white onion pieces; the dish shows a mix of light golden-yellow cauliflower pieces, brown seasoned ground meat, bright green leafy bits, and semi-transparent onion chunks scattered evenly throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure your Parmesan cheese and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Print

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring savory ground turkey sautéed with garlic and seasoned with paprika, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Tender cauliflower florets are cooked until soft and combined with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, delivering a satisfying, low-carb meal with a bright touch of lemon.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Extras

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through.
  3. Season the Turkey: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using over the cooked turkey. Stir well so the spices evenly coat the meat.
  4. Add and Cook Cauliflower: Stir in the cauliflower florets, mixing them with the turkey. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender.
  5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet contents. Stir until the cheese melts and blends into the dish.
  6. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
  7. Serve: Plate the dish and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meal for added zest.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely if you prefer less heat.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • Serve with a side of leafy greens or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • This dish can also be prepared using ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.

Keywords: ground turkey skillet, garlic butter turkey, cauliflower skillet, easy turkey recipe, low carb dinner, one-pan turkey dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating