Fitt Ground Turkey & Cranberry Skillet

When the holidays arrive, we often think of big roasts, rich sauces, and heavy sides. But what if you could bring all the festive flavor and keep it high-protein and satisfying? That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. With lean ground turkey, tart cranberries, aromatic herbs, and a touch of comfort, this dish hits the holiday palate while still supporting your Fitt goals. It’s perfect for a busy milspouse night—prepping a dinner that’s warm, nourishing, and doesn’t add to your load.

Servings: 5 | Total Time: ~30 min

Ingredients

• 180 g red onion, diced

• 7 g olive oil

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 680 g (≈1.5 lbs) 93% lean ground turkey

• 6-8 sprigs fresh thyme (or about 2 Tbsp removed leaves)

• 1 hearty sprig fresh sage

• 120 g (½ cup) chicken stock

• 55 g frozen cranberries

• 1 tsp monk fruit sweetener (or 3-4 drops liquid stevia)

• ½ tsp flour

• 1 Tbsp water

• Salt & pepper, to taste
  

Instructions

1. In a large frying pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil and add the diced onion plus sea salt. Sweat the onions for ~10 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized, stirring frequently. Meanwhile remove thyme leaves from stems; leave the sage sprig intact.
   

2. Increase heat to medium. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the thyme and sage. Let the turkey brown for ~2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the chicken stock, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let cook ~5 more minutes until turkey is fully cooked.
   

3. Using a slotted spoon or mesh strainer, remove the cooked turkey from the pan into a separate bowl. Leave the drippings in the pan (you’ll use them for the cranberry gravy). Discard the sage sprig. Cover the turkey & bowl with foil to keep warm.
   

4. Keep the pan with turkey drippings over low heat. Add frozen cranberries plus sweetener choice. Warm until cranberries begin to soften and burst. Mix flour and water to form a slurry; whisk it into the cranberry mixture to thicken. Let bubble ~5 minutes. Pour gravy over the turkey mixture and adjust salt & pepper to taste.
   

Estimated Macros (per serving, 5 servings total)

• Calories: ~227 kcal

• Protein: 27 g

• Carbs: 5 g

• Fat: 11 g

Notes / Substitutions

• If herbal sprigs are hard to find, you can substitute 1½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp dried sage.

• Want lower fat? Use 99% lean ground turkey. Adjust cooking time slightly for dryness.

• Prefer vegetarian? Swap ground turkey for extra-firm tofu crumbles and use vegetable stock.

• Want more volume? Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies for added bulk with minimal calories.

• Want to make ahead? Cook the turkey base and cranberry gravy separately; combine and heat when ready.