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If you love savory flavors, then you’re really going to adore this ground turkey and cauliflower rice skillet recipe. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, and family dinners, this savory dish is ideal for whenever you want something filling and easy to make – it’s packed with protein and is super low-carb!
In the mood for meal prep? Let us start by saying just how much we love meal prepping–it’s perfect for whenever you know you’re going to be busy but need meals covered for a few days. Meal prepping is also easy on the wallet and prevents you from spending unnecessary money on take-out and fast food.
This ground turkey and cauliflower rice recipe are one of our favorite recipes to use for meal prep because the leftovers reheat wonderfully. The cauliflower rice is tender and fluffy and just what you need to balance the savory flavors of the ground turkey. Flavors of cumin, lime, and paprika are combined to create this tasty savory dish.
We love to use cauliflower rice rather than regular rice because it’s rich in fiber, low-carb, and all-around healthier. It takes only a handful of minutes to prepare the rice–just blitz the cauliflower in the food processor and cook until heated through it’s that easy!
Why This Cauliflower Rice and Ground Turkey Recipe is the Best
- Savory and delicious: The tender ground turkey is infused with bright veggies which makes it filled with yummy robust flavors. Honestly, we think the vegetables truly complete this rice bowl recipe!
- Healthy and loaded with protein: This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for whenever you’re wanting something light but hearty. You get additional fiber from the veggies and cauliflower rice so you can feel good about enjoying this meal.
- Perfect for the family: Even picky eaters will love this ground turkey and cauliflower rice! Prepare this recipe whenever you need a quick dinner ready in about 30 minutes–the best kind of meal!
Ingredients
Oil–We suggest using olive oil for this recipe because it’s great for savory recipes. If you do not have olive oil, then you can use melted coconut oil or any other type of vegetable oil.
Ground turkey– Lean ground turkey is the star of this recipe and is used due to its lower fat content. Ground chicken or beef will also work.
Garlic– Freshly minced garlic is used because of its savoriness and robust elements. Of course, you can use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Red onion– For additional fresh savoriness throughout the turkey–it tastes delicious!
Bell pepper– Use any variety of bell pepper for this recipe; we like to use red due to its higher nutritional value.
Cherry tomatoes– Juicy cherry tomatoes complete this ground turkey and cauliflower dish. You can use Roma tomatoes if you do not have cherry or grape tomatoes.
Spices– Oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika provide earthy flavors to the turkey and really make it taste good.
Salt & pepper– Never forget the salt and pepper! For the best fresh flavors, we like to use Himalayan sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.
Cauliflower– One head of cauliflower is needed to create the fluffy cauliflower rice. Be sure the cauliflower is broken into small florets so your food processor can thoroughly chop it up.
Chili flakes– Flavor the recipe with the chili flakes until the desired taste is reached. You can leave the chili flakes out if you would like–especially for the younger crowd!
Lime– Fresh lime is used in this tasty recipe to provide an extra bonus round of flavor. You will need one lime for its juice and zest.
Parsley– What is a recipe without freshly chopped parsley? Cilantro would also work!
How To Make This Ground Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
First, measure your ingredients so you have a head start on the recipe. You can never prep too much!
Next, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, then break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks and browns.
Cook the ground turkey for above five minutes, then add the minced garlic, diced onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and the spices: oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. Frequently stir the ground turkey as it cooks for three to four minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Meanwhile, place the cauliflower florets into your food processor and blitz until small rice-like bits form. You can work in batches if needed.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, cauliflower rice, chili flakes, lime juice, and zest. Cook for five to seven minutes while stirring occasionally until the rice is tender. Season the rice to your preferred taste, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop the rice.
Serve immediately or store for later!
If you’re meal prepping: Divide the rice among four to five glass containers, then add the cooked ground turkey. Cover the containers with lids and place them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To reheat, place the glass container in the microwave and cook for two minutes or until warm. Enjoy!
Notes and Tips
- Store the uncooked cauliflower rice in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for six months.
- Cooked cauliflower rice will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can freeze the cooked rice for six months.
- Enjoy this meal whenever you need a quick meal at home on your lunch break.
- Customize this recipe by adding additional veggies to the turkey mixture like zucchini, squash, different colored onions, corn, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cauliflower rice is great for weight loss because it is packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.
To prevent sogginess, cook the cauliflower rice on high heat with some oil. You can also use a paper towel to absorb all the moisture out of the uncooked cauliflower right before cooking.
Be sure to season the cauliflower rice with plenty of spices, seasonings, and aromatics so you don’t taste the cauliflower. We like to use plenty of salt and pepper, too.
More Healthy Recipes!
- Citrus Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
- Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Keto Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna Boats
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Ground Turkey Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Turkey
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
- 1 large Yellow Bell Pepper, cut into chunks
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 large Red Onion, chopped to bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Parsley, to garnish
- 1 Large Head of Cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes, or to your taste
- 1 Lime, juice and zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey, use a wooden spoon to break up the meat while it cooks. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add in garlic, onions, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and spices.
- Stir frequently and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper then set aside.
- Meanwhile, place the cauliflower florets into a food processor and blitz just until small bits forms. You might have to work in batches.
- In the same heated skillet add remaining oil, cauliflower rice, chili flakes, lime juice, and zest.
- Cook stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until rice is tender. Season to your taste and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Divide the cauliflower rice among 4-5 glass containers, then add in the ground turkey mixture.
- Cover with lids and place in the fridge for up 5 days.
- Before serving heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store the uncooked cauliflower rice in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for six months.
- Cooked cauliflower rice will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can freeze the cooked rice for six months.
- Enjoy this meal whenever you need a quick meal at home on your lunch break.
- Customize this recipe by adding additional veggies to the turkey mixture like zucchini, squash, different colored onions, corn, etc.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How does this have 21 carbs in it?
This is delicious, light, fresh, and the lime zest in the cauliflower rice is a perfect compliment to the meal. I may use the left over rice for my poached eggs in the moring.
Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it.
Thank you for this amazing recipe, Rena!
I’ve been bulking for almost a year now, trying to gain weight. It has always been regular chicken and rice, which is why I was looking for new recipes. I’m definitely gonna try this turkey cauliflower recipe and get back to you next week when I make it. Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you liked it.
This dish not only looks good but this tastes extraordinary too. It was quite easy to make and my kids loved this a lot. Thanks for this another great recipe.
Thank you. So glad you guys loved it.
Delicious way to use ground turkey. Didn’t have enough fresh tomatoes so added 1/2 can of lime/cilantro Rotel tomatoes. I’ll definitely cook this again❣️