If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome dinner that’s quick to whip up yet packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how vibrant and satisfying it turns out, plus it’s one of those meals that you can toss together in under 40 minutes, even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts fan or just looking to sneak in some veggies, this one skillet dish strikes the perfect balance between savory spices and fresh ingredients. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and your family won’t stop asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • One Skillet Wonder: Fewer dishes means less cleanup—always a win in my book.
  • Flavor Packed: The combination of warm spices and fresh veggies makes every bite delicious.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Lean protein paired with fiber-rich Brussels sprouts keeps you full and energized.
A black cast iron skillet filled with a cooked dish showing three main layers: the bottom has small light brown pieces of cooked meat mixed with finely shredded bright orange carrots; scattered among these are multiple halved Brussels sprouts displaying their light green interiors and dark green outer leaves, adding fresh texture and color; the top layer is a mix of these ingredients evenly blended, with a slightly moist and hearty look. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background of a white cloth decorated with blue berries, whole carrots in bright orange, and whole green Brussels sprouts. A small black bowl with finely ground red spice is also visible in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. I like to shop for fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and have a bright green color, and if you can find ground turkey that’s lean but juicy, that’s ideal for this skillet.

  • Ground Turkey: Choose fresh, lean ground turkey for a tender texture without too much fat.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Look for tight, fresh buds; trimming the ends and removing loose leaves helps the flavor shine.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed; yellow or white onions both work great.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the skillet with that irresistible aroma and taste.
  • Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and a healthy fat boost.
  • Carrot: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture contrast.
  • Sweet Paprika: This smoky spice elevates the flavor profile without heat.
  • Dried Herbs: I use a mix of oregano and thyme to add a lovely earthiness.
  • Cumin: A pinch brings a warm, nutty note that complements the turkey beautifully.
  • Cinnamon: Just a hint rounds out the spices with subtle sweetness and depth.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this recipe is. Over time, I started mixing things up depending on what I had on hand or mood I was in. Feel free to make it your own — it responds well to tweaks!

  • Spice It Up: When I want a little extra heat, I add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the spice step.
  • Vegetarian Style: Swap out ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep the meaty texture but meat-free.
  • Seasonal Veggies: Toss in sweet potatoes or bell peppers to change the flavor and boost color.
  • Fresh Herbs: I sometimes finish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh punch that brightens each bite.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by dicing the onion, chopping the garlic cloves finely, and grating the carrot. With the Brussels sprouts, strip off any yellow or loose leaves and trim the bottoms. Then cut each sprout into quarters — this helps them cook evenly and soak up all the spices. I like to wash them thoroughly, pat dry, and set aside while the pan heats up. Prepping all this ahead makes the actual cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Then toss in the chopped garlic — be careful not to let it burn as that can make it bitter. Stir often for about 30 seconds to release all those aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey

Now add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s browned all over but still juicy. Turkey can dry out quickly, so don’t overcook here. You’ll notice the mixture getting fragrant — this is when it starts coming together deliciously!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir everything well so the spices evenly coat the turkey and onion mixture. Let it cook another 2 minutes; this step really helps the flavors develop with a lovely warmth and depth. I discovered that this spice combo is a game changer — such comfort in every bite!

Step 5: Add Carrots, Brussels Sprouts & Water

Stir in the grated carrot and quartered Brussels sprouts. Pour in ½ cup of water to gently steam the sprouts and carrots as everything simmers. Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet if you like; this will keep the moisture in and ensure even cooking. Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the turkey is fully cooked through.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Water: Adding that half cup of water is key to softening the Brussels sprouts without frying them dry.
  • Use Medium Heat: Cooking at medium keeps the turkey juicy and the veggies tender without burning the spices.
  • Cut Brussels Sprouts Evenly: Quarting them uniformly ensures they cook through at the same rate.
  • Be Mindful of Salt: Since spices can be flavorful, I usually wait till the end to adjust salt to personal taste.

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a cooked mixture showing three main layers: a base layer of small orange shredded carrot pieces spread throughout, a middle layer of browned ground meat with a crumbly texture, and a top layer of chopped green Brussels sprouts, some halved showing a light yellow inside, scattered evenly on the surface. The pan rests on a white marbled texture with a blurry background that includes whole fresh Brussels sprouts, a whole carrot, a glass bottle with light oil, and a small black dish of red powdered spice on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of toasted chopped nuts for texture. Sometimes, I’ll add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt rings round the flavors beautifully and adds a fresh brightness against the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty on its own, but I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice if I want a little extra comfort on the plate. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I like to serve this skillet with a side of crusty artisan bread and arrange everything on a large platter, garnished with herbs and lemon wedges. It feels so inviting, like sharing a home-cooked meal made just for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing the container to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which I love for quick future meals. After cooking, let it cool completely, then pack in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It keeps great for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between, so it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef?

    Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be swapped in without much change to the cooking process. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, especially for beef, which may take a bit longer to brown thoroughly.

  2. What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts?

    If Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing, you can replace them with similarly textured veggies like broccoli florets, green beans, or even chopped zucchini. The spices and turkey still shine with these swaps!

  3. Do I need to peel the carrots?

    Peeling carrots is optional. If they’re fresh and clean, a good scrub is often enough. Since you’re grating the carrots, any outer skin won’t affect the texture and adds nutritional value.

  4. How spicy is this recipe?

    This recipe has warm, mild spices like paprika and cinnamon — it’s not spicy hot. If you want heat, you can easily add chili flakes or cayenne pepper during cooking.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe, I was amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients could come together into such a comforting and flavorful meal. It quickly became a staple in my household because it’s fuss-free but feels special. I hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get dinner on the table without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks? Simply unbeatable. Happy cooking, friend!

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Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful one-skillet ground turkey and Brussels sprouts dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with aromatic spices. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, this recipe combines tender turkey with sautéed vegetables and warm seasonings, creating a hearty and healthy dinner ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb (500 g) ground turkey
  • ½ lb (250 g) Brussels sprouts
  • 1 onion
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1 carrot

Spices and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, chop the garlic cloves, and grate the carrot to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors into the dish.
  2. Clean the Brussels Sprouts: Remove any loose or yellow leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Lightly trim the bottom of each sprout and wash them thoroughly. Cut each Brussels sprout into quarters for uniform cooking.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up for a minute to create the perfect sauté base.
  4. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, forming the flavor foundation.
  5. Add Garlic and Turkey: Stir in the chopped garlic and ground turkey. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spatula and cooking until the meat is browned all over.
  6. Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, dried herbs, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and infuse the meat.
  7. Add Carrot and Brussels Sprouts: Stir in the grated carrot and quartered Brussels sprouts. Pour in half a cup of water to help steam and soften the vegetables.
  8. Simmer Until Cooked: Reduce heat to medium. Cover the skillet loosely and cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender.

Notes

  • This easy one-skillet recipe takes just about 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
  • The aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cumin add a warm, rich flavor that complements the turkey and vegetables beautifully.
  • Serve this dish on its own for a low-carb meal or pair it with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier option.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 313 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 612 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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