If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful meal that ticks all the boxes for comfort and nutrition, look no further than this Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash recipe. The comforting sweetness of tender butternut squash paired with lean, savory ground turkey creates a delicious harmony of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and healthy. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special but is incredibly easy to make any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become a beloved classic in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in this Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash dish, balancing flavor, texture, and color beautifully.

Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity aroma that elevates the dish.
Small white onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, creating a flavorful foundation.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that wakes up the taste buds.
Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the squash.
Ground turkey: A lean protein that soaks up spices and enhances overall heartiness without heaviness.
Smoked paprika: Offers a smoky warmth that ties the flavors together with a bit of complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance the savory elements.
Butternut squash: The star ingredient, with its velvety texture and subtle sweetness, adding body and seasonal charm.
Vegetable broth: Keeps the squash moist as it cooks and infuses a gentle savoriness into the mix.
Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a luscious, golden crust that’s pure indulgence.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds a final burst of freshness and color to brighten the dish.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by warming olive oil in a big oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and cook until it turns soft and releases its natural sweetness. Then stir in minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, letting those ingredients mingle and soften. This step builds a flavorful base that makes every bite sing.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly. Season it with smoked paprika, salt, and fresh black pepper. Stir frequently while the turkey browns, ensuring it cooks through and develops those savory browned edges that bring a rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Butternut Squash and Simmer

Gently fold in the cubed butternut squash, then pour in the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir so that the squash is mostly submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 12 minutes until the squash becomes fork-tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Melt the Gruyère Cheese

Once the squash is perfectly soft, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère evenly on top, then slide the skillet into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve this comforting and hearty dish hot, straight from the skillet – it’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you want something special without fuss.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a lovely brightness that balances the rich, cheesy top layer. You can even sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes if you want a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the squash.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple green sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a crisp mixed salad to cut the richness. Crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes also work wonders to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly, or make it a filling stuffing inside roasted bell peppers or acorn squash halves. This not only looks stunning but adds another layer of seasonal soul to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly cooked Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes, it’s best to freeze before adding the cheese topping—melt cheese fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you froze it without cheese, add fresh grated Gruyère or your favorite cheese on top and broil for a few minutes to re-create that melty, golden crust.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground turkey with something else?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based alternative like tofu work wonderfully in this recipe. Each option will bring its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

What can I use if I don’t have butternut squash?

Sweet potatoes or carrots are great substitutes since they offer a similar sweet earthiness and texture when cooked. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they become tender.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and double-check spices and cheese labels, this dish is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even lentils. You may want to add extra seasoning or a splash of soy sauce to boost umami in the vegetarian versions.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust it?

This recipe is mild and very approachable in terms of spiciness. You can easily increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning if you prefer a bit of a kick.

Final Thoughts

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash is truly one of those dishes that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and flavors that sing together, it’s a meal that feels crafted with care. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy, satisfying comfort it brings. It’s perfect for sharing, savoring, and making your mealtime something to look forward to.

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash recipe is a hearty, nutritious meal combining lean ground turkey with the natural sweetness of butternut squash. Enhanced with smoked paprika and creamy Gruyère cheese, it’s a comforting one-pan dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe also offers flexible substitutions, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Instructions

Preheat and Sauté Aromatics: Warm up the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for a few minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, continuing to sauté until the vegetables start to soften.
Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink inside.
Add Butternut Squash and Simmer: Fold in the peeled and cubed butternut squash, then pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to combine, making sure most of the squash is submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it gently simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
Add Cheese and Bake: Once the squash is soft, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles lightly.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or tofu to suit your preferences.
Sweet potatoes or carrots are excellent alternatives to butternut squash if needed.
If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or dairy-free cheese can be used instead.
Fresh herbs brighten the dish—parsley and cilantro are recommended, but sage pairs wonderfully with squash as well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Baking
Cuisine: American