Let’s talk about comfort food that’s both nourishing and gloriously flavorful: Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet. This one-pan wonder is a dream for busy nights—it brings together lean ground turkey and golden cauliflower in a luscious garlicky butter sauce that truly makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re on the lookout for a cozy weeknight dinner or just eager for a dish that’s equally healthy and satisfying, this skillet is about to become your new staple.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great meal starts with a few core ingredients, and this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is the perfect example of how pantry basics can deliver big flavors. Each one is here for a reason—together, they create a dish that’s both light and packed with savory, comforting notes.

Ground turkey: This lean protein soaks up the buttery, garlicky goodness and keeps the dish feeling light yet hearty.

Cauliflower: Chopped into bite-size florets, cauliflower gets golden and slightly crisp, adding wonderful texture and mild sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Butter is the heart of the sauce, giving every bite a rich, velvety finish.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor—mince it finely for the best infusion.
Onion powder: Adds mellow, savory depth without having to chop a fresh onion.

Smoked paprika: This subtle spice adds smokiness and gorgeous color for a cozier, more complex taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Chicken broth (optional): A splash keeps everything moist and saucy, especially if you like your skillet a little more luscious.

Fresh parsley (optional): A handful of chopped parsley brings freshness and a pop of color to finish.
Grated Parmesan (optional): Sprinkling some cheese gives an extra savory edge that ties it all together beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Cauliflower

Start by heating half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, add the cauliflower florets. Let them sizzle and soften, stirring now and then, until they become tender and develop gorgeous golden edges—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once your kitchen smells nutty and the cauliflower is lightly browned, scoop it out and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

In the same skillet, drop in the rest of the butter. Toss in the ground turkey and break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely and lose any pinkness, a process that takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Be generous with your crumbles—those bits get wonderfully caramelized for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

When the turkey is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes. This quick step is where the magic happens—the garlic hits the hot pan and releases its aroma, wrapping your turkey in mouthwatering flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Bring back the sautéed cauliflower and stir it into the skillet with the turkey. If you prefer a juicier texture or notice things are looking a bit dry, add the chicken broth. Let it all simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, until everything is piping hot and the flavors meld. The cauliflower should soak up the sauce, making each bite juicy and bursting with taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Now it’s time for a final touch! Sprinkle on fresh parsley for brightness and, if you’re in the mood, a generous grating of Parmesan for that finishing salty kick. Scoop your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet straight onto plates and enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

Bring your skillet to life with a flourish of fresh parsley just before serving—it’s not only beautiful, but the herb livens up those buttery flavors in the most delightful way. For a more decadent finish, dust the top with freshly grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These simple touches help your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This skillet is filling on its own, but sometimes you want to round things out. Try fluffing up a bowl of cooked quinoa, steamed rice, or even simple mashed potatoes as a base—each one soaks up the garlicky butter sauce fantastically well. For a low-carb option, toss up a quick green salad or sautéed greens on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to impress, serve the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet in individual bowls, topped with extra parsley and a whimsical twirl of lemon zest. Or, turn leftovers into a cozy lunch by stuffing the savory mixture into whole-wheat pitas or wrapping with large lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held version. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet keeps surprisingly well, making it a great meal-prep option. Simply cool the skillet to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen as they mingle together overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, this skillet freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until steaming. The cauliflower may soften a bit more, but the flavors will be as satisfying as ever.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite plant-based butter or a drizzle of quality olive oil for the unsalted butter. The result is still deliciously garlicky and satisfying, just minus the dairy.

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

Chop the cauliflower into small, evenly sized florets about bite-size for the quickest, most even cooking. This ensures each piece develops those golden edges and a slight crunch.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before sautéing so excess moisture doesn’t prevent proper browning. Frozen works in a pinch, though fresh cauliflower gives the best texture.

How do I make this dish spicier?

For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when you add the other seasonings. A little goes a long way and plays nicely with the buttery sauce.

Is Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it keeps its flavor and texture after reheating. Just portion it into containers and enjoy easy, homemade lunches or dinners all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new favorite weeknight dinner, you have to give this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet a try. It’s easy, cozy, and delightfully flavorful—the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So pull out your skillet and get cooking… you’re about to discover a go-to recipe that never disappoints!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make skillet recipe featuring garlic butter ground turkey with cauliflower, a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Sauté Cauliflower: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower florets and sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Remove cauliflower and set aside.
Cook Ground Turkey: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add ground turkey, cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
Season and Combine: Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add the sautéed cauliflower back to the skillet. If needed, stir in chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the seasoning to your preference by adding herbs or spices of your choice.
Feel free to top with a squeeze of lemon for a citrusy twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 275 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 320mg

Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 4g

Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter, Ground Turkey, Cauliflower Skillet, Easy Dinner Recipe