Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that hits every note—flavorful, healthy, and quick to prepare—the Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is the answer. This one-pan dish is both wholesome and comforting, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with lean protein and tender, naturally sweet squash, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies every appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Meal

This recipe stands out for its vibrant combination of earthy butternut squash, savory ground turkey, and aromatic spices. The natural sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the heartiness of the turkey. Meanwhile, everything cooks together in a single skillet—meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the ingredients meld together. It’s a meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying.

Getting the Butternut Squash Just Right

Properly preparing the butternut squash is key for texture and flavor. Start by peeling, seeding, and cubing the squash into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Sautéing the cubes until golden and tender brings out their natural sweetness, infusing the whole dish with incredible flavor.

How to Build Layers of Flavor

Begin by browning the ground turkey with aromatic onion and garlic, creating a savory base. Next, add the butternut squash, along with smoky paprika and herbs, to the mix. A splash of chicken or vegetable broth allows the flavors to meld as the squash becomes fork-tender. The result: a skillet brimming with hearty, flavor-packed goodness.

Serving Ideas for Maximum Enjoyment

This skillet dinner is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as-is for a grain-free option, or spoon it over a bed of warm quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt makes a great finishing touch. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory juices!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Thanks to the lean ground turkey and vitamin-rich butternut squash, each serving is around 350 calories, with plenty of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s a smart, satisfying choice that fits right into a balanced meal plan.

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

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and (if using) cinnamon.
3. Stir in the red bell pepper and butternut squash cubes. Mix to evenly distribute vegetables and meat.
4. (Optional) Add tomato paste and stir until incorporated for extra umami flavor.
5. Pour in the broth and cover the pan. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is a meal prep superstar and fits beautifully into any weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your cooking days and create smart, custom shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
– Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and organized

Pro tip: When planning several meals in a week, schedule your recipes so ingredients like onions or herbs are properly summed for your shopping trip. This reduces food waste, saves money, and makes meal prep a breeze.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

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With its unbeatable blend of convenience, comfort, and nutrition, this Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation!