If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that checks every box — easy, healthy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely loaded with flavor — you’re going to fall in love with Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy ground turkey, tender roasted cauliflower, and the irresistible combination of garlic and butter in a way that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding hungry mouths right after work, this skillet is sure to become your new favorite quick-fix dish.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy or fussy here — just simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! Each element brings something special: savory turkey for lean heartiness, buttery richness for comfort, and cauliflower for a tasty veggie twist. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each ingredient:

Ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthy, protein-packed base.
Cauliflower: Cut into small florets for quick, even cooking and that nice bit of crunch.
Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and that luscious mouthfeel — unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Garlic: Mince it fresh for bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.
Onion powder: Adds an underlying sweetness and savory note without extra chopping.
Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and subtle smokiness that makes the dish pop.
Salt and pepper: Season to your taste for perfectly balanced flavor.
Chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture if you like your skillet extra saucy — totally up to you!
Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that makes each portion pop.
Grated Parmesan (optional): A sprinkle boosts savoriness and adds a cheesy finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Cauliflower

Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your cauliflower florets and let them get cozy in the pan for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them occasionally — you want them tender with golden brown edges for that lovely roasted flavor. Once they’re just right, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

In that same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, then crumble in your ground turkey. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the turkey so it browns evenly. Cook it for around 5 to 6 minutes until it’s perfectly browned and cooked through. Don’t rush — a little patience brings out the best texture and flavor!

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Once the turkey is browned, sprinkle in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Stir those seasonings through and let everything cook for another 2 minutes. The aroma is going to be incredible, so get ready for some hungry noses in the kitchen!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sautéed cauliflower back into the skillet with the turkey. If it seems a bit dry or you want things extra luscious, splash in the chicken broth. Simmer everything for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the cauliflower soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is piping hot and smelling amazing, turn off the heat. Scatter over some chopped parsley and a generous shower of grated Parmesan, if using. Serve it hot straight from the skillet — it’s one of those dishes that gets better and cozier with every spoonful.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a little leafy freshness to each serving. Don’t skip the grated Parmesan — it instantly elevates the dish with a cheesy, salty punch that plays so well with the buttery cauliflower and ground turkey.

Side Dishes

What’s lovely about Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is how well it plays with others. Spoon it over fluffy rice, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the garlicky juices, or pair with a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop portions into individual ramekins for a playful twist, or stuff everything into roasted bell peppers for a pop of color. This skillet also makes an incredible filling for lettuce wraps if you’re feeling light or want to impress your guests with a fun, hand-held version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge. Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day as delicious as the first round.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. The microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet will help keep things tasting freshly cooked and help the cauliflower stay pleasant instead of mushy.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the dish lighter, ground chicken or even beef will work just as well, bringing their own unique flavors and richness to your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will still add nice color and flavor, or try a pinch of chili powder for a tiny bit of heat. Each spice brings a little something different, so experiment to find your favorite.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative (like olive oil or a plant-based butter) and skip the Parmesan. You’ll still get all the deliciousness with no dairy in sight.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

For a veggie twist, leave out the turkey and bulk up the cauliflower by adding cooked lentils or canned chickpeas for protein. The savory spices will tie everything together and keep the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet spirit alive.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! This skillet is very flexible. Try tossing in diced bell peppers, peas, or even spinach during the final simmer. It’s a great way to use up odds and ends in the fridge while boosting color and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you tweak or serve it, Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is bound to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a whirl, enjoy every buttery, garlicky forkful, and share the goodness with someone you love!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender ground turkey, sautéed cauliflower, and a delicious garlic butter sauce is sure to please your taste buds.

Instructions

Cook the 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.
Brown the 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.
Add Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Combine & Simmer: Return cauliflower to the skillet. If dry, add chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes until well coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.