If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and healthy, you’re about to fall hard for this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet. This skillet supper transforms humble ingredients into something downright crave-worthy: juicy ground turkey melds with golden-sautéed cauliflower, all glazed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Each bite crackles with savory flavor and a hint of smokiness, perfect for busy nights or when you just need a nourishing, homemade meal in under thirty minutes.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity to this recipe, but every ingredient earns its spot. Each one brings its own magic as far as flavor, color, or luscious texture, turning your skillet into a symphony of taste.

Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up the garlicky butter base and stays juicy while adding a hefty protein punch.
Cauliflower: Chop it into small florets for tender bites that brown beautifully and drink in all that savory sauce.
Unsalted butter: Our flavor foundation—it brings richness and ensures a glossy, luscious finish.
Garlic: Four cloves deliver big, punchy flavor and that signature aroma that makes everyone ask, “What’s cooking?”
Onion powder: No slicing required—just a teaspoon for subtle sweetness and depth.
Smoked paprika: This spice is non-negotiable! The smoky note takes the flavor somewhere special and slightly unexpected.
Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing up the flavor of each ingredient to perfection.
Chicken broth (optional): Just a quarter cup keeps the skillet moist and helps marry all the flavors—especially if you like extra sauciness.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it delivers color and freshness that makes the dish pop.
Grated Parmesan (optional): A handful at the end adds salty, nutty oomph and extra richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Cauliflower

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped cauliflower and let it sizzle, stirring every so often until those florets are tender and develop gorgeous golden-brown edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. Removing the cauliflower at this stage gives you perfect texture with just a little bite.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

In the same skillet (no need to wash—hello, flavor!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as you go. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, gently scraping up any tasty cauliflower bits left behind.

Step 3: Amp Up the Flavor

Now comes the moment of transformation. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle in the buttery juices for a couple of minutes—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the sautéed cauliflower back to your skillet. If things are looking a tad dry, pour in that optional chicken broth. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes to let all the flavors marry and ensure everything is warmed through and beautifully coated in your garlic butter magic.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Finish with a handful of fresh parsley and a grating of Parmesan, if you love a cheesy finish. Serve your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet hot and fresh, ready for generous scoops straight from the pan!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

This skillet shines brightest with a final flourish: toss on lots of chopped fresh parsley for brightness, and don’t hold back on a snowstorm of grated Parmesan—these pop against the golden cauliflower and add that just-from-the-bistro look and flavor.

Side Dishes

The great thing is, Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet can totally stand solo, but if you want to round things out, try serving with fluffy rice, lemony couscous, or even a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread never hurt, either—perfect for mopping up the buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can feel free to scoop the skillet mixture into crisp lettuce wraps, stuff it inside pita pockets, or pile it high atop baked sweet potatoes for a meal that’s fun and unexpected. Little ramekins for individual servings always look impressive, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the cooled Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes for a fabulous next-day lunch.

Freezing

This skillet freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, spoon the mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over gentle heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up if needed. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works nearly identically, and ground beef brings a richer flavor; just drain any extra fat before adding the cauliflower back to the skillet.

Is this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any broth or Parmesan you use if you’re sensitive—some pre-grated cheeses or broths can have additives.

What can I use instead of smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a pinch of chili powder will work. For a different spin, try adding a little cumin or Italian seasoning.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip or use vegan Parmesan. The dish will still be deliciously savory and satisfying.

Is this kid-friendly?

Most kids love the mild, buttery flavors here; if you have picky eaters, just go easy on the smoked paprika or offer cheese and herbs on the side so everyone can top their own.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a one-pan wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious. Give this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet a place in your dinner rotation, and I promise, you’ll look forward to every single bite. Happy cooking, and enjoy making this cozy skillet for yourself and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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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. Tender cauliflower florets are sautéed until golden brown, then combined with seasoned ground turkey in a garlic butter sauce.

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 from the skillet and set aside.
Brown the Turkey: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and 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: Add the sautéed cauliflower back to the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, stir in the chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!