Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

I love this one‑pan skillet where lean ground turkey meets tender golden cauliflower in a lush garlic‑butter sauce. It’s hearty, low‑carb comfort food that comes together quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m always drawn to meals that are flavorful yet effortless. This skillet hits the mark: in about 30 minutes, I have a balanced, protein-rich dish with minimal cleanup. The garlic butter sauce is richly savory and coats the ingredients beautifully, while cauliflower keeps it light and gluten-free

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground turkey (1 lb)

• Cauliflower florets (about 1 head)

• Unsalted butter (3–4 Tbsp)

• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

• Onion powder (1 tsp)

• Smoked paprika (1 tsp)

• Chicken broth or water (¼ cup)

• Soy sauce or coconut aminos (¼ cup)

• Hot sauce (2 Tbsp, e.g. sriracha)

• Sesame oil (2 tsp)

• Olive oil or vegetable oil (2 Tbsp)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Cook cauliflower: I sauté cauliflower florets in 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat until they turn golden and tender (~5–7 minutes), then drizzle lemon juice, toss with cilantro, salt, and pepper, and set aside

2. Brown turkey: In the same pan with 1 Tbsp butter and oil, I cook the ground turkey until no longer pink (5–6 min), breaking it up as it browns.

3. Add aromatics: I stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant (~2 min)

4. Build the sauce: I pour in soy sauce, hot sauce, and broth or water, simmering 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Combine: I return the cauliflower to the skillet, toss to coat thoroughly, and finish with sesame oil, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan

6. Serve: I garnish with lemon slices or extra herbs and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes

• Serves: 4 meals

Variations

• Ground chicken or beef: Substitute turkey with other proteins .

• More veggies: I love adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms at the end.

• Make it dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or ghee.

• Spicier version: I add extra hot sauce or fresh chopped chilies.

• Cheesy twist: A sprinkle of Parmesan gives an indulgent finish.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, I gently warm the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. It also reheats well in the microwave.

FAQs

How do I make it gluten‑free?

I just swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos—everything else is naturally gluten-free

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but I thaw and pat it dry first to avoid excess moisture—fresh gives better texture .

Is this meal keto-friendly?

Definitely. It’s low-carb and packed with healthy fats from butter—and cauliflower in place of starch

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works too, or I add a pinch of chili powder or cumin for depth.

Can I meal-prep this?

Absolutely—I’ll portion it into containers and keep it refrigerated up to 3 days. Perfect for easy lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is my go-to for a fast, flavorful, and fuss-free meal. It’s hearty yet wholesome, customizable, and guilt-free. Let me know if you try your own spin—I can’t get enough of this cozy skillet!

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