Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder

Looking for a delicious, low-carb dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is your answer! As a busy home cook, I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender ground turkey and roasted cauliflower, all bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why This Recipe Works

This skillet dinner has become a staple in my kitchen, and here’s why it’ll become one in yours too:

The garlic butter sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. When the butter melts into the perfectly browned turkey and golden cauliflower, it creates a sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Plus, the entire meal comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe is a game-changer. With just 8g of carbs per serving and a whopping 30g of protein, it keeps you satisfied without the carb crash. The cauliflower provides that perfect替substitute for starchy sides while adding essential nutrients and fiber.

Perfect Timing: When to Make This Dish

This recipe shines as a:

• Quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time
• Meal prep option that reheats beautifully
• Light but satisfying lunch option
• Post-workout meal packed with protein

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this dish special:

• Ground turkey (1 lb): The lean protein base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors
• Cauliflower (1 medium head): Cut into bite-sized florets for even cooking
• Butter (3 tbsp): Unsalted, so you can control the seasoning
• Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh minced garlic is key here
• Seasonings: Onion powder (1/2 tsp), smoked paprika (1/2 tsp), salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of color

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep Your Ingredients Start by cutting your cauliflower into even-sized florets and mincing your garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Cook the Cauliflower Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the cauliflower florets. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Brown the Turkey In the same skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks, creating nice browned bits for extra flavor. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Let the garlic become fragrant but not brown, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Bring It All Together Return the cauliflower to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes more, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the cauliflower. You want it to brown, not steam.
• Season generously throughout the cooking process, not just at the end.
• For extra flavor, try using ghee instead of butter.
• If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps wonderfully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Recipe Card

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Calories: 280 per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let melt. Stir in garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes.
4. Return cauliflower to skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes more until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with ghee or olive oil
• Add red pepper flakes for extra heat
• Can substitute ground turkey with chicken or lean beef
• Leftovers keep well for 3 days in the refrigerator

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Tag us in your creations on social media using #GarlicButterTurkeySkillet. Happy cooking! 🍳