Rating: 3.76
(49)

Turkey and Butternut Squash Bake

April 24, 2024

Turkey and Butternut Squash Bake is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines the savory richness of turkey with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash. This hearty bake is perfect for colder months, offering a balance of flavors and textures that feels both satisfying and wholesome. It’s a simple yet delicious meal, perfect for a family dinner or as a make-ahead option for meal prepping.

The star ingredients are ground turkey and butternut squash, both of which bring distinct flavors to the dish. Ground turkey is a lean protein that pairs beautifully with the sweet, nutty taste of roasted butternut squash. The squash adds both sweetness and creaminess when baked, creating a wonderful contrast to the turkey. A mix of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers, enhances the dish’s overall depth and flavor.

To bring it all together, a savory seasoning mix is essential. Think along the lines of thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, which complement both the turkey and the squash. You can also add a touch of cumin or smoked paprika for warmth, or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. The entire mixture is then baked together, allowing the flavors to meld and creating a perfectly cooked dish that is both comforting and full of flavor.

One of the benefits of this bake is how adaptable it is. You can add a variety of vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or even carrots, to increase the nutrition and flavor. For a little extra indulgence, top the bake with some grated cheese before putting it in the oven, allowing it to melt and form a delicious golden crust.

Turkey and Butternut Squash Bake is a filling, one-pan meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s a perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs, making it both satisfying and balanced.

Turkey and Butternut Squash Bake
Turkey and Butternut Squash Bake
3.76 from 49 votes
A delicious and hearty meal made with turkey and butternut squash.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 butternut squash small, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
  • Add the butternut squash, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, until the butternut squash is slightly tender.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the squash is fully cooked and the turkey is heated through.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 10gFiber: 4g
Calories: 300kcal
Meal Type: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: butternut squash, turkey
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Arnbjorn says:

    2 stars
    I dunno… it was kinda bland. Might need more spices or something. 🤷‍♂️

  2. User avatar brain.boyer says:

    3 stars
    Very easy to make, but bland. I added some chili flakes and it made a big difference!

  3. User avatar Michael83 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is the bomb! I absolutely loved it! Making it again for sure!

    1. User avatar ami.mccullough says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of my favorites too. What other recipes do you like?

  4. 4 stars
    Turkey and squash? Sounds weird, but I gave it a shot. It was surprisingly tasty! Who knew I liked squash?

  5. User avatar tiffiny.blanda says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Made some variations though, added bell peppers and a pinch of cayenne. Yum!

  6. User avatar daryl.rippin says:

    4 stars
    I thought butternut squash was a fruit? 🤔 Anyway, good recipe!

    1. User avatar Jessica Atreides says:

      5 stars
      Butternut squash is a fruit! It has seeds, so you’re right. 😄 Love this recipe, can’t wait to try it!

    2. 4 stars
      Really? I always thought it was a veggie. Anyway, sounds good! I might add some cheese on top.

  7. User avatar San Shenlong says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, not really my favorite dish. But the boyfriend loved it!

  8. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    1 star
    My kids just refused to eat it. Maybe too healthy? They only want pizza. 🍕

    1. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      3 stars
      Aww, that sucks! But healthy food is good too! Maybe they’ll like it more if you call it ‘turkey casserole’ instead?

    2. User avatar ellen.botsford says:

      4 stars
      Kids these days are so picky! Have you tried adding cheese on top? That might help!

  9. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    5 stars
    Tasty! I used ground beef instead of turkey and it still came out great. Also, what’s thyme?

  10. User avatar ninfa.walter says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I found the flavor a bit bland. Added more spices but still eh.

  11. User avatar rupert.oconner says:

    4 stars
    Who knew squash could taste so good?! I was surprised. More recipes like this, please!

    1. User avatar keven.ortiz21 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! I was skeptical at first, but this recipe changed my mind about squash for sure. Can’t wait to try it again!

  12. User avatar winifred.rohan38 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but the squash didn’t cook thoroughly. Should I have cut them smaller? Not sure about this one.

  13. User avatar veronique.altenwerth36 says:

    4 stars
    Luv it!!! I used ground beef instead cause that’s what I had, still turned out great!

  14. 5 stars
    This was so good! I never thought butternut squash could taste this delicious. Definitely making it again!

    1. User avatar carole.schuster says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Butternut squash is a hidden gem. Have you tried adding some Parmesan on top? YUM!

    2. User avatar jacinto.barton84 says:

      2 stars
      Really? Butternut squash is just mushy, no offense. How can anyone find it delicious? 🤔

  15. User avatar leroy.smitham1977 says:

    1 star
    Nah, didn’t like it at all. It needed more flavor, I expected a punch but got a whisper.

  16. User avatar tequila.bayer says:

    2 stars
    Are you sure this is enough for 4 people? My family went for seconds, lol!

  17. User avatar jamison.lang65 says:

    5 stars
    Yum yum yum!! So comforting and filling! My family devoured this meal! 😋

    1. User avatar Gandalf the Grey says:

      5 stars
      This sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it with my family. Thanks for sharing!

  18. User avatar Phillip D. Bagg says:

    2 stars
    Eh, not my favorite. I’ve tasted better turkey dishes. Maybe it’s just me.

    1. User avatar reid.heller says:

      4 stars
      I totally understand! Everyone has their own taste. Maybe try adding some spices next time? It might help!

  19. User avatar zachery.blanda says:

    1 star
    Turkey doesn’t belong in a bake! It should be ground beef. This is wrong.

  20. User avatar edelmira.abbott82 says:

    3 stars
    It’s okay, but I think it needs more garlic or somethin’. Just my opinion.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! More garlic would make it sooo much better. It’s all about flavor, right?

  21. 5 stars
    This was sooo good! I loved how the butternut squash made it sweet, will def make again!

  22. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    This was so yummy! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again! ❤️

    1. User avatar andre.ebert says:

      5 stars
      So glad your family enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. ❤️

    2. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, sounds a bit weird to mix turkey with squash. 🤔

  23. 4 stars
    Turkey and squash? Sounds weird but actually tastes great! Who woulda thought? 🤪

  24. User avatar jonah.crona29 says:

    4 stars
    I skipped the thyme because I didn’t have it, still good! But I like thyme. Maybe next time.

    1. User avatar jarrett.walsh says:

      4 stars
      I think it would be even better with the thyme! But hey, glad it turned out good anyway!

  25. User avatar miles.grant says:

    3 stars
    Is 375 degrees really enough? Mine took longer to bake. 🤔

    1. User avatar Hurdy Gurdy Man says:

      4 stars
      I’ve always found that some ovens just don’t heat as evenly. Maybe try a thermometer next time!

  26. User avatar ewa.lowe38 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but too watery for my taste. Maybe less broth next time?

  27. 5 stars
    This dish was amazing! So easy to make and the flavors really come together. My family loved it.

    1. 5 stars
      I’m glad your family enjoyed it! It’s a hit in my house too. 😊

    2. User avatar Byron Flatley says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but my family doesn’t like squash. Any subs that work?

  28. User avatar joe_banana says:

    4 stars
    I really enjoyed this recipe! Easy to make and healthy too. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

    1. 5 stars
      Glad you liked it! I made it last week and it was so good! Perfect balance of flavors.

  29. User avatar corinne.braun says:

    4 stars
    I messed up and used sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash! Still turned out fine tho!

  30. 3 stars
    Followed the recipe exactly but ended up overcooking the turkey. Not sure if I’ll try again.

  31. 5 stars
    Super easy to make! I cut the cooking time by 10 mins and it was perfect.

3.76 from 49 votes
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