Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower: A Fast, Flavor-Packed, Low-Carb Dinner You’ll Cook All Week

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If you’re searching for a quick, wholesome, flavor-loaded dinner that’s low-carb, high protein, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower. This skillet meal brings together golden sautéed cauliflower, rich garlic butter, juicy ground turkey, and fresh herbs to create a dish that tastes indulgent while still being nutrient-dense and light.

It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anyone who wants something delicious without spending more than 25 minutes in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, the steps are easy, and the flavor payoff is huge.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish such a star in the everyday kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

1. It’s fast — truly fast.

This entire dish cooks in one skillet in under 25 minutes. No oven, no long simmering, no extra pans.

2. The garlic butter elevates everything.

Butter + garlic = magic. When it coats the turkey and cauliflower, the flavor becomes rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

3. It’s healthy without tasting healthy.

Ground turkey is lean, cauliflower is packed with nutrients, and yet the garlic butter gives it a cozy, indulgent feel.

4. It’s low-carb and keto-friendly.

Perfect for weeknight meals when you want something hearty without the heaviness.

5. It adapts easily.

Add veggies, spice, cheese, or herbs — the base is flexible and forgiving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A short list, but every ingredient plays a role.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)

Instructions

1. Cook the cauliflower.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add cauliflower florets and cook 6–8 minutes until lightly browned and starting to soften.

2. Add garlic.

Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add ground turkey.

Push cauliflower to the sides. Add ground turkey to the middle and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink.

4. Season.

Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and chili flakes.

5. Add broth and simmer.

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let everything simmer for 5–6 minutes until cauliflower finishes cooking and liquid reduces.

6. Finish with butter.

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to create a rich garlic butter sauce.

7. Garnish and serve.

Top with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower

A fast, flavorful, and low-carb skillet meal featuring ground turkey, golden cauliflower, and rich garlic butter.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Low Carb
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Turkey & Cauliflower
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 head cauliflower cut into small florets
Flavoring
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook cauliflower in 2 tablespoons butter for 6–8 minutes until golden and softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and chili flakes.
  5. Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer 5–6 minutes.
  6. Stir in remaining butter to finish the sauce.
  7. Garnish with parsley and optional Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Add extra veggies or cheese for variations.

Expert Tips for Maximum Flavor

1. Brown the turkey well.

Don’t stir constantly — let it caramelize for deeper flavor.

2. Cut cauliflower small.

Smaller florets cook faster and blend better with the turkey.

3. Add extra veggies if you want.

Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini — all work great!

4. Make it spicy.

Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.

5. Make it creamy.

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a luxurious twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is fantastic as-is, but pairs beautifully with:

  • Mashed cauliflower
  • Rice or quinoa
  • Roasted green beans
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Zucchini noodles
  • A big garden salad
  • Garlic bread (if not low-carb)

Variations

Cheesy Garlic Turkey Cauliflower

Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end.

Mediterranean Style

Add lemon zest, oregano, olives, and cherry tomatoes.

Asian-Inspired

Replace seasonings with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, green onions.

Cajun Turkey Skillet

Use Cajun seasoning for bold smoky flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for lunches.

Refrigerate:

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freeze:

Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter.

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