Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking for a colorful, nutritious dinner that comes together in just one pan, the Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is your answer. This dish bursts with natural sweetness from the roasted squash, savory ground turkey, and a medley of herbs and spices that bring it all together. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is wholesome—perfect for busy weeknights or meal preppers seeking something satisfying and healthy.

Flavor-Packed and Simple: Why You’ll Love This Skillet

What makes this recipe truly shine is the irresistible mingling of sweet and savory elements. The hearty bite of ground turkey pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly caramelized butternut squash. Add in garlic, smoky paprika, and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a dish that feels cozy and complex—with zero fuss. Ready in around 30 minutes, this skillet offers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

How to Perfect Your Skillet Ingredients

Start by cubing fresh butternut squash; this ensures caramelized edges as it sautés. Ground turkey provides a lean yet satisfying base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the vegetables and spices. Onion, bell pepper, and garlic are classic aromatic add-ins, but feel free to toss in spinach or kale for extra greens. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro at the end brightens everything up beautifully.

Easy Assembly and Cooking Steps

Prepping this skillet couldn’t be easier: brown your ground turkey, add the veggies and squash, and let everything simmer until the flavors marry and the squash is buttery-tender. The all-in-one method means you’re getting big nutrition in every bite, with little time lost to prep or cleanup.

Serving Suggestions: Make It A Meal

Enjoy your Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet straight from the pan, or pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or a slice of crusty bread for a more filling meal. Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dash of hot sauce for extra personality. This skillet also makes perfect leftovers—just reheat and enjoy!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four. Each portion is loaded with lean protein and wholesome carbs, coming in at approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on added toppings or sides. It’s a balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle and leaves you feeling energized.

Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet (Recap)

Sweet and savory, simple and satisfying, this skillet is your go-to for a healthy one-pan weeknight dinner. With a blend of colorful vegetables, lean turkey, and zesty spices, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for streamlined grocery trips and smarter weekly meal planning!

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer turkey to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add cubed butternut squash and stir to coat with seasonings. Pour in chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until squash is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
5. If using spinach or kale, stir it in to wilt (about 1 minute).
6. Return cooked turkey to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, then serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is a meal-prepper’s dream—one pan, nutritious, and reheats beautifully. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly lineup and watch as CookifyAI effortlessly generates a consolidated shopping list for all your planned meals.

**Planning Benefits:**

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across your selected recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by aisle for faster and more efficient grocery runs
• Prevents ingredient duplications and missed items
• Simplifies your weekly meal prep without any guesswork

Pro tip: When scheduling this recipe alongside others that use turkey or bell pepper, CookifyAI will sum up exactly how much to buy—eliminating food waste and saving you time and money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes