Easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey

Introduction

This simple roasted butternut squash with ground turkey transforms humble ingredients into a warm, colorful bowl that feels homemade in every bite. The recipe is quick enough for a weeknight yet pretty enough to share with guests, and it celebrates caramelized squash and savory turkey. If you love one skillet dinners you might also enjoy a lighter twist in this ground turkey zucchini skillet for another fast option. Prep is minimal and the flavors are forgiving, so you can make this your own without stress.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This dish balances convenience with comforting roasted flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The butternut squash softens and caramelizes in the oven, creating pockets of sweetness that play nicely against the savory ground turkey. It uses pantry spices and one pan for the stovetop step so cleanup stays easy. Because the components hold their texture well, leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or quick dinners. If you like hearty roasted veg, try pairing it with a different squash like in this roasted spaghetti squash recipe for another autumnal variation.

Flavor and Texture

Roasted butternut squash brings a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that deepens as the edges caramelize and brown. Ground turkey offers a light, savory backbone that soaks up the warm spices and garlic. Paprika gives a gentle smokiness while thyme adds an herbaceous lift, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens each forkful. Texturally this dish is a cozy contrast of soft, tender squash and slightly crisped edges with moist, crumbled turkey. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy, which makes it versatile for pairing with grains or a leafy side.

Ingredients

– 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
3. Spread the butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
6. Combine the roasted squash with the ground turkey mixture and stir well.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Best Results

Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm skin to ensure sweet, dense flesh. Cut the squash into even cubes so pieces roast uniformly and achieve those caramelized edges. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the squash room so it browns instead of steaming. Taste and adjust seasoning after combining the turkey and squash because the roast can concentrate saltiness. For a little extra texture, toast some pumpkin seeds and sprinkle them on top just before serving.

Storage and Make Ahead

Cool leftovers completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the squash from becoming mushy, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. You can fully cook the components ahead of time and store them separately to keep textures at their best. To freeze, pack portions in freezer safe containers for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Final Thought

This recipe is a cozy, reliable weeknight dish that showcases seasonal squash without fuss. It’s forgiving in swaps so you can adjust spices, add greens, or swap the protein to suit your pantry. The result is a colorful, nutritious plate that feels both homey and a little special.

Conclusion

For another simple take on mixing squash and ground turkey that leans into skillet cooking, see this ground turkey butternut squash skillet for inspiration.

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