I reach for this Brussels sprouts and ground turkey skillet whenever I need a quick, hearty dinner. The ground turkey cooks up juicy and flavorful, the brussels sprouts stay tender with just the right amount of bite, and the garlic, onion, and spices tie everything together in a cozy, satisfying way. Since it all comes together in one pan, I can get a complete meal on the table without spending my whole night in the kitchen.
The best part is how easy it is to change things up. I often add extra vegetables, mix in different seasonings, or finish it off with a little cheese when I want it richer. Cooking everything in the same skillet also keeps cleanup minimal, which feels like a total win on weeknights. This recipe has become one of my go‑tos because it always gives me a balanced, flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast this Brussels sprouts and ground turkey skillet comes together. With just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, you can get a meal on the table that feels healthy, hearty, and completely satisfying. The ground turkey brings lean protein, the brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor with a little crisp bite, and the onions round it out with a touch of sweetness.
Everything cooks together in one pan, creating a savory, slightly nutty mix that keeps every bite interesting. You can change it up to fit whatever you have on hand. Swap the turkey for chicken, beef, or sausage. Add sweet potatoes if you want a hint of natural sweetness, or toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
If you like more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few diced jalapeños will do the trick. No matter how you build it, this skillet works for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even meal prep when you want easy lunches ready to go.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Brussels Sprouts
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a little color. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey
In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess liquid if needed.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the turkey. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Season and Combine
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then return the Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley or cilantro. Add Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Brussels Sprouts Ground Turkey Skillet
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup red bell pepper chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- Shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese optional
- Lemon wedges optional
Instructions
- Cook Brussels sprouts until slightly softened, set aside.
- Brown ground turkey, drain excess liquid if needed.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper with turkey.
- Stir in spices and return Brussels sprouts to the skillet.
- Garnish with parsley, add cheese or lemon if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end for a creamy touch.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach all work beautifully here.
- Go spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Switch the protein: Use ground chicken, beef, or even sausage instead of turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet as is for a complete meal, or pair it with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad. For drinks, try sparkling lemon water, iced tea, or a chilled glass of white wine.
Final Thoughts
This Brussels sprouts and ground turkey skillet gives you the best of both worlds: it’s simple to make yet still really satisfying. The flavors are bold but balanced, and the whole dish feels hearty without weighing you down. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup takes no time, and you can easily switch up the ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen. It makes an easy choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or any time you want a fast, wholesome dinner that still tastes like comfort.
