Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Skillet

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, nutritious, unbelievably flavorful, and uses simple everyday ingredients, then Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower is about to be your new obsession. This dish checks every box: high-protein, veggie-loaded, low-carb friendly, budget-friendly, and made entirely in one skillet.

But what really makes this recipe stand out is the flavor.
Ground turkey can be mild on its own, but when you sauté it with garlic, butter, herbs, and golden cauliflower, it transforms into a rich, savory skillet meal with restaurant-level aroma. The cauliflower absorbs the garlic butter beautifully, the turkey browns into tender, flavorful crumbles, and the entire dish comes together in just about 20 minutes.

It’s perfect for meal prep, lunch bowls, quick dinners, or even a base for many variations. You can keep it low-carb by serving it as-is, or pair it with rice, quinoa, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Whatever you choose, this is the type of dish you’ll want to make several times a month.

Let’s dive deep into how to make it, why it works, and different ways to customize it.

Why This Recipe Works

1. The garlic butter does all the heavy lifting

Butter melts into the turkey, coating it in richness. Garlic adds aroma, depth, and familiar comfort. Together, they turn basic ingredients into bold flavor.

2. Cauliflower is the perfect pairing

It’s hearty, soaks up the sauce, cooks quickly, and adds volume and nutrients without overpowering the dish.

3. It’s a one-skillet masterpiece

Minimal dishes. Minimal prep. Maximum flavor.

4. It’s nutritious without trying

High protein, fiber, and healthy fats—all naturally built into the recipe.

5. Works with any diet

Low carb
Gluten-free
Keto-friendly
High protein
Meal-prep friendly
Simply delicious

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional but brightens it)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the cauliflower.
   Cut cauliflower into small, evenly-sized florets so they cook quickly and caramelize well.
2. Cook the turkey.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks until lightly browned.
3. Season.
   Add paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Add garlic and butter.
   Stir in minced garlic and butter. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and the turkey is coated in buttery seasoning.
5. Add cauliflower.
   Add cauliflower florets to the pan. Toss everything so the cauliflower is coated with garlic butter and turkey juices.
6. Cover and cook.
   Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and golden.
7. Finish.
   Stir in lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve.
   Garnish with fresh parsley.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower

A quick, flavorful skillet meal featuring browned ground turkey and tender cauliflower coated in rich garlic butter.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cauliflower head cut into small florets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tbsp lemon juice optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground turkey.
2. Cook until lightly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Stir in garlic and butter until melted and fragrant.
5. Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat in garlic butter.
6. Cover and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender.
7. Stir in lemon juice if desired.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Turkey & Cauliflower

Use small cauliflower pieces

They cook faster and absorb flavor better.

Don’t skimp on garlic

It’s the backbone of this dish.

Let the turkey brown properly

Color = flavor. Avoid stirring too early.

Add lemon for brightness

Optional but highly recommended for balance.

Taste before salting

Ground turkey varies in saltiness depending on the brand.

Variations

Creamy Version

Add ⅓ cup heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.

Cheesy Version

Stir in shredded parmesan or mozzarella.

Veggie Boost

Add spinach, peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.

Tex-Mex Twist

Add cumin + chili powder + lime juice.

Spicy Kick

Use chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce.

What to Serve With This Dish

• Rice (white, brown, jasmine)
• Quinoa
• Mashed potatoes
• Cauliflower rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Zucchini noodles
• Pasta
• Garlic bread

It’s also great inside wraps or meal-prep bowls.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: 4 days
• Freezer: 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating)
• Reheat: Stove or microwave with a splash of water or butter

Why You’ll Make It Again & Again

It’s fast.
It’s healthy.
It’s buttery and garlicky.
It’s versatile.
It makes leftovers you’ll actually want to eat.
And it uses ingredients you already have.

This meal is the perfect example of how simple cooking can still be unbelievably delicious.