If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor, you have to try this Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to whip up yet feels wonderfully satisfying. Tender ground turkey mingles beautifully with crisp, slightly sweet cabbage and vibrant veggies, all coated in a savory soy sauce glaze with just the right hint of smoky paprika and garlic. Every bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that simply makes you want to dig in again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe just right starts with fresh, simple ingredients that bring their own unique qualities to the table. Each one plays a role in layering flavors or adding color and nutrition, making this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra-lean): Provides a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up the seasonings beautifully.
- 4 cups finely shredded cabbage: Adds a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness, keeping things light and nutritious.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Delivers a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic warmth that brightens every bite.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil): Helps cook the ingredients evenly while imparting a mild richness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Offers that perfect umami saltiness and a hint of complexity.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note that elevates the ground turkey.
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough heat and earthiness.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick if you like a bit of spice.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: Brings a splash of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 diced bell pepper: Adds crunch, color, and a subtle fruity flavor.
- A splash of vinegar: Brightens the dish with a little tang to balance richness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by shredding the cabbage finely—using a knife or mandoline works great here—to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the carrots, and chop the bell pepper. Having your ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse it with smoky, savory goodness. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles with your spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once done, scoop the turkey out and set it aside—your skillet is now primed for sautéing the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and toss in the diced onion. Cook for around 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more, letting its aroma fill the kitchen. This step softens the veggies and sets the flavor foundation for the cabbage.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Time to add the shredded cabbage, along with the shredded carrots and diced bell pepper. Drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture and toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender but retains a lovely crisp bite—not mushy! This balance gives the dish a fresh, vibrant element.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet, mixing it through the cabbage and veggies for an all-in-one flavor blend. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for that extra touch of heat. Finally, a splash of vinegar brightens and lifts the entire dish with a pleasant tang.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions can add lovely texture and a pop of flavor that complements the savory skillet beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands perfectly on its own as a wholesome meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. A crisp cucumber salad or light Asian slaw can add refreshing contrast to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use the skillet filling as a hearty topping for lettuce wraps or tuck it inside whole wheat tortillas for quick mini tacos. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or roasted sweet potatoes to mix up the textures and flavors for your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making this Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe a perfect candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps maintain its flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating also works well for convenience—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe and will deliver a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before combining with the vegetables.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping out regular soy sauce for coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is the Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe?
The spice level is mild by default since the red pepper flakes are optional. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or skipping them altogether.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to personalize the dish and boost its nutritional value.
What can I serve with this skillet for a complete meal?
Pair it with grains like rice or quinoa, or even a light soup or salad, to turn this simple skillet into a satisfying and balanced dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep returning to when you want something delicious, nutritious, and quick to make. It’s loaded with flavor yet simple enough to become a weeknight staple. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll win a special spot in your recipe collection!
Print
Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet is a quick and healthy one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey with tender cabbage and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it offers a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and soy sauce, cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)
Vegetables
- 4 cups cabbage, finely shredded (about ½ a medium head)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 diced bell pepper
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- Splash of vinegar
Spices
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Shred the cabbage using a knife or mandoline. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Dice the bell pepper and shred the carrots.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook the Cabbage and Other Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and diced bell pepper to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the soy sauce and toss the mixture to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet and mix well with the cabbage and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding red pepper flakes if desired. Add a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors if you prefer. Serve warm as a standalone dish or with a side of your choice.
Notes
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vinegar at the end of cooking.
- Can be served with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
