Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Skillet

This Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and low-carb meal that comes together in no time. The tender cauliflower pairs perfectly with seasoned ground turkey for a satisfying dish.

Eating low carb doesn’t have to be bland and boring. In fact, this is a recipe that is known for packing a ton of flavor into each bite. Plus, low carb meals can be made for the whole family and modified for those that may need or desire a heartier meal.

For more low carb recipes, give this Low Carb Chicken Breast Recipe a try along with Spaghetti Squash Carbonara. If you really want to impress everyone around the dinner table, these Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are the way to go.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Packed with Nutrition: The combination of lean protein and nutrient rich vegetables leaves this dish desirable for someone seeking a healthy option.
• Low carb with Flavor: Bursting with savory, comforting flavors the cauliflower takes the place of traditional rice or potatoes to keep this skillet low in carbs yet delicious.
• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: I love that whether you are prepping the day of or in advance, you can have a meal ready to serve in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Allows the ingredients to cook without sticking to the pan. Swap with avocado oil if looking for another option.
• Cauliflower: Choose a head of cauliflower that is firm, heavy for its size, with tightly packed florets and no brown spots or blemishes.
• Ground turkey: This recipe can also be made with ground chicken or lean ground beef for a slightly different taste.
• Garlic powder: Elevate the flavor of the dish by using fresh minced garlic. For an easy option, stick with garlic powder.
• Seasoned salt: If you don’t have access to seasoned salt, replace with a blend of salt, paprika and onion powder.
• Black pepper: Adds even more flavor to the recipe.
• Red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of spice in the dish.
• Butter: Essential to help coat the turkey and cauliflower with the sauces.
• Hot sauce: Opt to take the spiciness and flavor up a notch by including hot sauce as an ingredient. For a milder taste, reduce the amount in half or omit completely.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth to enhance the overall flavor of the recipe.

How To Make Ground Turkey Skillet

STEP ONE: Sauté the cauliflower. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the cauliflower. Season with 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the cauliflower to a plate.

STEP TWO: Cook the ground turkey. Add the ground Turkey to the same hot skillet. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the turkey is cooked through.

STEP THREE: Serve. Serve hot separately or blend the cauliflower and ground turkey mixtures together.

What To Serve with This Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Skillet

If you are sticking to a low carb diet, then these sides are recommended:

Vegetables: Add sauteed, air fried or roasted veggies to the mix such as zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers or Brussels sprouts.

Sauteed Spinach: Add greens to the meal by sautéing spinach then incorporating into the skillet.

Salad: For a light side, serve with a salad of mixed greens, grape tomatoes and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a lower carb dressing.

If you are serving to those that prefer a heartier side to complement the low carb skillet, this is delicious served with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes and white or brown rice. I also like Quinoa Chickpea Salad served on the side for a fresh and healthy salad choice.

Tips and Recipe Notes

• Start with a hot skillet to promote even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet – choose a pan large enough to hold the ground turkey and cauliflower florets so the dish will cook more evenly.
• Check the temperature before serving. Once cooked, the skillet ingredients should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking if desired.
• Adjust the seasoning at the end to meet expectations. The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, use less; for extra heat, add more.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to your liking, such as sautéed veggies for extra nutrients flavor and color.

How to Store Leftovers

In the fridge – Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe is great for meal prep – portion into individual containers to enjoy at home or to take to work throughout the week.

In the freezer – If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in a saucepan or skillet.

FAQs

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! However, it’s essential to check the specific ingredients you use, especially the hot sauce or Worcestershire. Look for gluten-free versions that are certified gluten-free. Always read the labels to verify that all ingredients are gluten-free. This recipe is also dairy-free when the butter is swapped with an alternative such as olive oil.

More Ground Turkey Recipes

Wondering what to do with ground turkey beyond this recipe? Check out any of these delicious meals featuring the lean protein:

• Ground Turkey Soup
• Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
• Ground Turkey Skillet
• Ground Turkey Nuggets in Air Fryer
• Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

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