Save The Brussels sprouts skepticism ended on a rainy Tuesday when I let them char in the skillet longer than intended. Those crispy edges and the savory turkey made my kitchen smell like comfort itself, and now I make this at least twice a month when I need something nourishing but not heavy.
My roommate walked in while the paprika hit the hot turkey and asked what smelled so incredible. We ate standing at the counter that night, taking turns sneaking just one more forkful from the pan while it was still piping hot and perfect.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps this light but still satisfying, and it soaks up the paprika beautifully
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts: Halved lengthwise, those flat cut sides are what create the best crispy golden bits
- 1 small yellow onion: Diced small so it melts into the background and adds natural sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced fresh adds that aromatic kick that makes everything taste homemade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Divided use gives both the turkey and sprouts their own chance to shine
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Low-sodium helps steam the sprouts tender while keeping salt levels in your control
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brightens everything and cuts through the richness
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors without overwhelming
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground adds warmth and depth
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Smoky or sweet paprika gives the turkey its gorgeous color and subtle earthiness
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional but worth it if you like that gentle background heat
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Grated right over the top adds a salty umami finish
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for color and a fresh pop against all the savory elements
Instructions
- Get everything ready first:
- Rinse those Brussels sprouts well, trim off the tough dry ends, and slice each one in half. Dice your onion into small pieces and mince the garlic so you are not scrambling once the heat is on.
- Heat up your largest skillet:
- Get it nice and hot over medium-high heat, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil. You want to see it shimmer and ripple slightly before the meat hits the pan.
- Brown the turkey with purpose:
- Add the ground turkey and break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Season with a quarter teaspoon salt, a pinch of pepper, the paprika, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Let it cook until completely browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Give the turkey its own space:
- Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set it aside. Wipe out most of the excess liquid from your skillet but leave those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Build the flavor foundation:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft.
- Wake up the garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Watch closely so it does not burn or turn bitter.
- Sear the sprouts:
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the pan. Season them with the remaining salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until those flat sides develop a gorgeous golden brown crust.
- Steam them tender:
- Stir everything together and pour in the broth or water. Cover the skillet and let it steam for 4 to 5 minutes until the sprouts are fork-tender.
- Bring it all together:
- Remove the lid and add the turkey back into the skillet. Stir everything to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until the turkey is heated through and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Finish bright:
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if it needs anything. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley right before serving.
Save This recipe has become my go-to for Sunday meal prep because the flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge, and somehow the leftovers taste even more cohesive than the first night.
Make It Your Own
Ground chicken or turkey sausage work beautifully here if you want to switch up the protein. I have also made this with crumbled plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that still hits all those satisfying umami notes.
Get That Extra Crisp
If you have an oven-safe skillet, slide the whole thing under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end. The sprouts get even more caramelized edges and the Parmesan forms these incredible salty crispy bits that everyone fights over.
Serving Ideas
This skillet needs nothing more than a fork, but a slice of crusty bread never hurt anyone. I like to serve it over steamed rice when I want something more substantial, or sometimes I just eat it straight from the pan for the ultimate low-effort dinner.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds a tangy sweetness that plays so well with the sprouts
- Chopped pecans or toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top bring a great crunch factor
- Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on the table lets everyone customize their heat level
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a dinner that comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it took all night. Enjoy those crispy edges and that happy full feeling.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How can I ensure my Brussels sprouts get crispy?
To achieve crispy Brussels sprouts, ensure your skillet is hot with olive oil before adding them. Place them cut-side down and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to allow them to caramelize and brown nicely. You can also broil the finished dish for 1-2 minutes in an oven-safe pan for extra crispness.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile. You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken or ground sausage to explore different flavor profiles. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement your chosen protein.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- → Are there any dietary considerations for this preparation?
This meal is naturally high in protein and gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free broth. It contains dairy if Parmesan cheese is used; you can omit it or use a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free option. Always check labels for specific allergen concerns.
- → What are some ways to add more flavor or texture?
For added crunch and a nutty flavor, try stirring in toasted pine nuts or chopped pecans at the end. A drizzle of sriracha for heat or balsamic glaze for tang can also elevate the dish before serving. You can also experiment with different spices beyond paprika and red pepper flakes.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
This is a quick and efficient one-pan meal. The preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 21 minutes, bringing the total time from start to finish to just about 31 minutes.