Searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly fast weeknight dinner? Look no further. This Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a one-pan wonder that delivers savory flavor and fantastic nutrition in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a satisfying, low-carb dinner, this recipe is about to become a staple in your rotation.
We combine lean ground turkey with perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts, all brought together with a simple yet flavorful garlic and herb seasoning. The result is a complete meal that’s as easy to clean up as it is to cook. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite skillet dinner!
Why This Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe Works
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and convenience, making it the perfect solution for hectic weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup. It’s the ideal low-mess, no-fuss dinner.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. The instructions are straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the turkey and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the Brussels sprouts, this is a meal you can feel great about serving. It naturally fits low-carb, keto, and gluten-free lifestyles.
- Amazingly Flavorful: We use a simple blend of garlic, onion powder, and herbs to create a savory sauce that coats every single bite. The sprouts become tender-crisp and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the seasoned turkey.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy skillet dinner.
- Ground Turkey: We recommend using 93/7 lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and nutrition. It provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the dish.
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are the star vegetable here. We’ll trim and halve them so they cook quickly and get beautifully caramelized.
- Avocado Oil: A high-quality oil with a neutral flavor and high smoke point, perfect for sautéing. Olive oil also works well.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add a savory depth that can’t be beaten.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to make this dish sing.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and create a light, savory sauce that brings everything together. It also helps steam the sprouts to tender perfection.
- Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh parsley for brightness can add a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make The Perfect Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Follow these simple steps for a flawless one-pan meal every time. It’s a straightforward process that guarantees delicious results.
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the turkey aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Brussels Sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until they begin to brown and caramelize on the edges. For a similar flavor profile, you could also try these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Sprinkle with oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Finish and Serve: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp. Uncover, give it one last stir, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
Want to make your ground turkey skillet even better? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee perfect results every single time.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large skillet (at least 12 inches) to ensure the Brussels sprouts have enough room to brown rather than steam. This is key to developing that delicious caramelized flavor.
- Get a Good Sear: Let the Brussels sprouts sit undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This allows them to develop a deep, golden-brown crust, which adds a ton of flavor. This skillet method is different but just as tasty as this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. A final sprinkle of seasoning can make all the difference.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can wash, trim, and halve your Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
This Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Add a Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese over the top during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet to let it melt for a gooey, delicious twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. A dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving also works great.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or chopped sweet potatoes. Add heartier veggies along with the Brussels sprouts.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: For a touch of sweetness that complements the sprouts, drizzle a teaspoon of balsamic glaze or pure maple syrup over the skillet just before serving.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other sides. For storing, let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
For more healthy and easy meal ideas, check out our collection of healthy crockpot recipes.
FAQs
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken or lean ground beef. If using ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat after browning for a healthier dish.
While fresh Brussels sprouts will give you the best texture and caramelization, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Allow them to thaw and pat them very dry before adding them to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Yes, it’s a very healthy meal. It is high in lean protein, packed with fiber and vitamins from the Brussels sprouts, and is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with quinoa, brown rice, or a side of roasted sweet potatoes if you’re not following a low-carb diet.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet proves that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create a delicious and healthy meal. It’s a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Give it a try this week!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet (Easy & Healthy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Return the cooked turkey to the skillet. Sprinkle with oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp. Serve hot.
Notes
Variations: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
