Introduction
This savory garlic butter turkey with cauliflower is a fast and flavorful skillet meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Made with simple ingredients like ground turkey, cauliflower, spinach, and a touch of lemon, this dish delivers a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. With minimal prep and under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a great choice for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
- While the turkey is cooking, steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can do this in a separate pot or microwave.
- Once the turkey is cooked, add the steamed cauliflower to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix well.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
- Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, and serve warm. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Variation
- Cheesy Twist – Stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving. The cheese melts beautifully into the dish, adding extra richness and a comforting, creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick – If you love heat, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving. This adds a bold, spicy depth that complements the garlic butter sauce.
- Low-Carb Swap – Instead of cauliflower, try zucchini noodles or riced broccoli for an alternative texture. These substitutions keep it keto-friendly while changing up the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra flavor boost: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of soy sauce for a different twist.
- Meal prep-friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Crusty Bread – Serve this skillet meal with warm, crusty bread or a buttery dinner roll to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce. The combination of crispy bread and the juicy turkey is irresistible.
- Over a Bed of Rice or Quinoa – If you’re not strictly low-carb, serve this over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous. These grains absorb the sauce and add a hearty element to the meal.
- With a Fresh Side Salad – Pair it with a light, refreshing salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber tomato salad. The fresh, tangy flavors balance out the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Tips
- Choose Lean Turkey but Not Too Lean – Using 85% or 90% lean ground turkey strikes the perfect balance between flavor and health. Leaner turkey (like 99%) can dry out quickly, so a little fat helps keep it juicy.
- Use a Large Skillet for Even Cooking – A wide skillet (12 inches or larger) helps cook everything evenly and prevents overcrowding. This ensures the turkey browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Add the Spinach at the Right Time – To keep the spinach vibrant and fresh, add it at the very end and stir just until wilted. Cooking it too long will make it mushy and lose its bright green color.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and offers a similar lean, high-protein option. However, ground chicken tends to be slightly drier, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to keep it moist and flavorful. -
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter to revive the moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. -
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for olive oil or use a dairy-free alternative like ghee or coconut oil. The dish will still be rich and flavorful without butter. -
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is versatile! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra texture and nutrients. Just sauté them with the turkey for added depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is the perfect combination of healthy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a one-pan, quick-fix meal that’s great for busy nights while still being nutritious and satisfying. With its garlic butter richness, tender cauliflower, and juicy turkey, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Try it for dinner tonight, and let me know what side you paired it with! 😊
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Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This savory garlic butter turkey with cauliflower is a fast and flavorful skillet meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Made with simple ingredients like ground turkey, cauliflower, spinach, and a touch of lemon, this dish delivers a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. With minimal prep and under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a great choice for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
- While the turkey is cooking, steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can do this in a separate pot or microwave.
- Once the turkey is cooked, add the steamed cauliflower to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix well.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
- Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, and serve warm. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra flavor boost: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of soy sauce for a different twist.
- Meal prep-friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground turkey, cauliflower, low-carb skillet, garlic butter turkey, healthy dinner