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Roasted butternut squash with ground turkey in a rustic baking dish

Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: PT40M
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey is a wholesome, hearty skillet-style dish featuring caramelized cubes of roasted butternut squash tossed with savory, seasoned ground turkey, onions, garlic, and warm spices. It’s cozy, flavorful, protein-rich, and perfect for fall and winter dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Roasted Butternut Squash

  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Ground Turkey Mixture

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup broth (turkey, chicken, or vegetable)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup black beans
  • ½ cup corn
  • ¼ cup feta cheese or goat cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it browns.
  5. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Mix in tomato paste, then add broth to create a light sauce.
  7. Simmer 3–5 minutes until flavors meld.

3. Combine

  1. Add roasted butternut squash to the skillet.
  2. Stir gently to avoid smashing the squash.
  3. Fold in spinach, beans, or corn if using.
  4. Heat until warmed through.

4. Serve

  • Top with fresh herbs or crumbled cheese if desired.
  • Serve alone, over rice/quinoa, or stuffed in tortillas.

Notes

  • For extra sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup over the roasted squash.
  • Add cayenne or chipotle for a spicy version.
  • Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes if preferred.
  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT25M
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasted + Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg