Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients and flavor. The ground turkey adds lean protein, while the cauliflower provides a hearty, low-carb alternative to potatoes. The savory seasoning blend, with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika, brings depth and richness to the dish. With the optional addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is comforting, healthy, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking to keep things light or prepping for the week, this recipe is a great choice for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time or effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Cook the Cauliflower: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Remove the 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 to develop the flavors.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the sautéed cauliflower to the skillet. If the mixture appears dry, stir in the chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Sweet Potatoes: If you want a sweeter touch, add cubed roasted sweet potatoes along with the cauliflower for a complete and balanced dish.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier flavor, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or chili powder with the seasonings.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a generous amount of shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar during the simmering phase for a cheesy, melty finish.
- Veggie Options: Try adding other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken, lean beef, or even ground pork for a different flavor.
3. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily for a quick meal.
4. Can I use regular potatoes instead of cauliflower?
Yes, you can substitute cauliflower with cubed potatoes, but note that it will increase the carb count of the dish.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the turkey mixture for a spicy kick.
7. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used instead of butter. It will slightly change the flavor, but it will still work well.
8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan and using olive oil instead of butter.
9. How do I know when the turkey is cooked through?
Ground turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, and it should no longer be pink in the center.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked turkey and cauliflower mixture for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a skillet or microwave.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines lean turkey with cauliflower, flavorful seasonings, and optional garnishes like Parmesan and parsley for extra depth and freshness. Low-carb and versatile, it can easily be adapted to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as-is or add your own twist, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a quick, healthy dish featuring lean ground turkey, cauliflower, and savory seasonings, perfect for a low-carb, nutrient-packed meal.
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
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Remove the cauliflower from the skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Return the sautéed cauliflower to the skillet. If the mixture appears dry, stir in the chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Add cubed roasted sweet potatoes along with the cauliflower for a balanced, sweet touch.
For a spicier flavor, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or chili powder with the seasonings.
For a cheesy finish, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar during the simmering phase.
Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
