If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in just one pan, making dinner time speedy without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re new to cooking with Brussels sprouts or a longtime fan, this skillet recipe is an easy way to get a hearty, healthy dinner on the table that your whole family will enjoy. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your weeknight rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you’ll actually want to cook this on busy nights.
Balanced Nutrition: Ground turkey provides lean protein while Brussels sprouts add fiber and vitamins.
Flavor Packed: The blend of spices gives each bite a cozy, aromatic punch that’s so satisfying.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 35 minutes – perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and easy to find. Each element works together to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it, but really it’s all about layering simple flavors. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you start.

Ground turkey: I always go for lean ground turkey to keep things light yet protein-rich.
Brussels sprouts: Fresh is best! Look for bright green, firm sprouts and trim off any yellow or wilted leaves at home.
Onion: A medium yellow or white onion adds a sweet, savory base for the dish.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and depth of flavor—don’t skip it!
Olive oil: Extra virgin is my favorite for sautéeing and adding a subtle fruitiness.
Carrot: Grated carrot adds a hint of natural sweetness and a nice color contrast.
Sweet paprika: This spice brings warmth and a slight smokiness that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
Dried herbs: A mix like thyme or oregano to build herbal layers.
Cumin: A touch goes a long way, providing earthiness without overpowering.
Cinnamon: Sounds surprising, but just a pinch adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the spices nicely.
Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance all those beautiful flavors.

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 personalizing this skillet recipe because it’s so versatile! You can easily switch up veggies or spices to keep it feeling fresh every time you make it. Here are some variations I’ve tried that you might enjoy too.

Adding mushrooms or bell peppers: Gives extra texture and a pop of color, making it even more veggie-packed.
Using ground chicken or turkey sausage: Both add slightly different flavors, which keeps things interesting.
Swapping out dried herbs for fresh: When I have fresh thyme or rosemary around, it really brightens up the dish.
Spicing it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce takes it from mild to bold in minutes.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Turkey

Start by dicing the onion and chopping your garlic cloves. I find that having everything prepped helps the cooking flow smoothly. Also, grate that carrot finely—you’ll want it to melt subtly into the skillet. For your Brussels sprouts, trim off any rough edges and quarter them so they cook evenly. Washing them well is key to avoid any dirt or grit sneaking into your dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat your skillet over medium-high and pour in the olive oil. Once warm, toss in the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent—this is where your fragrant base starts to build. Add the chopped garlic next and give it about a minute, just enough to release that beautiful aroma without burning.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Now, add your ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned with no pink spots left. Browning adds such a rich flavor, so don’t rush this part. If your pan gets dry, add a tiny splash of water or oil to keep things moving.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in your spices—sweet paprika, cumin, cinnamon, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the meat evenly in those warming flavors. Cook this mix for about 2 minutes to let the spices bloom and turn aromatic. This step is where the magic happens, trust me.

Step 5: Add Carrots and Brussels Sprouts

Stir in the grated carrot and quartered Brussels sprouts. Pour in about half a cup of water to help steam the sprouts and keep everything moist. Turn your heat down to medium, cover the skillet if you have a lid, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. The Brussels sprouts should become tender but still have a slight bite, and the flavors will meld beautifully together.

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

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in one layer helps everything brown better and enhances flavor.
Use fresh spices: I noticed a huge flavor difference when I upgraded to fresher paprika and herbs.
Control moisture: The little splash of water steams the Brussels sprouts perfectly without making the dish soggy.
Patience is key: Letting the turkey brown and the veggies cook through slowly really brings out the best flavors.

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 usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten all the flavors too, which I’ve found makes the dish feel more vibrant and balanced.

Side Dishes

If you want to keep things simple, this recipe is great on its own. But I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a scoop of fluffy rice to soak up all those tasty juices. A simple side salad or some crusty bread rounds out the meal really nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate it over a bed of quinoa and garnish with toasted pine nuts for crunch. Sometimes, I bring it out in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight to the table—such a comforting presentation that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually wait for my dinner to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This skillet recipe freezes well too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When I do this, I skip adding fresh garnishes before freezing so they stay fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop keeps the texture better. Add fresh herbs after reheating for a burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any extra water before adding them to the skillet. The cooking time might be a few minutes shorter since frozen sprouts are already partially cooked.
Is ground turkey a healthy meat choice for this dish?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is lean and a great source of protein, making it a lighter alternative to beef or pork. It keeps this recipe nutritious without losing that meaty satisfaction.
How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from getting mushy?

Cutting them into quarters ensures they cook evenly. Also, don’t add too much water during cooking—just enough to steam them. Cooking over medium heat allows them to soften without turning soggy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you watch out for any added spice blends or condiments. Always double-check labels if you’re using pre-mixed seasonings.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Easy Ground Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple enough for busy nights but flavorful enough that it impresses every time. I still remember when I first nailed this recipe—it changed how I saw Brussels sprouts forever, making them a regular in my kitchen. So, grab those fresh ingredients, and let’s make dinner delicious and fuss-free. You’re going to love how easy and tasty this skillet comes together!