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.
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!
I tried this and the bake felt dry by the end. Next time I’d add a bit more broth or cover tighter. Still edible though.
I accidentally used ground chicken instead of turkey and it was still good. But the thyme/rosemary combo was strong—good if you like herbs.
I dunno… it was kinda bland. Might need more spices or something. 🤷♂️
Perfect for dinner on a chilly night! Love it!
Very easy to make, but bland. I added some chili flakes and it made a big difference!
Did not like it. The turkey was weird. Will stick to beef next time.
This recipe is the bomb! I absolutely loved it! Making it again for sure!
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of my favorites too. What other recipes do you like?
Not bad, but 10 minutes on the stove didn’t get the squash nearly tender enough for me, so I baked a lot longer. Could be my oven though.
Turkey and squash? Sounds weird, but I gave it a shot. It was surprisingly tasty! Who knew I liked squash?
Delicious! Made some variations though, added bell peppers and a pinch of cayenne. Yum!
I thought butternut squash was a fruit? 🤔 Anyway, good recipe!
Butternut squash is a fruit! It has seeds, so you’re right. 😄 Love this recipe, can’t wait to try it!
Really? I always thought it was a veggie. Anyway, sounds good! I might add some cheese on top.
It was okay, not really my favorite dish. But the boyfriend loved it!
My kids just refused to eat it. Maybe too healthy? They only want pizza. 🍕
Aww, that sucks! But healthy food is good too! Maybe they’ll like it more if you call it ‘turkey casserole’ instead?
Kids these days are so picky! Have you tried adding cheese on top? That might help!
I think the butternut squash is overrated. Can’t it just be normal squash? Anyway, it was ok taste-wise, 3 stars.
Honestly, it was kinda bland for me. I used dried herbs like it says, but I think I under-salted. Would recommend tasting before it goes into the oven.
Yeah I get that—next time I’d definitely start with a little more salt. Also, my dried rosemary was super strong, so I ended up backing off the amount a bit, but still salted more at the end. Tasting is key before it goes in.
Huh, I made this and it was fine? I think people forget that butternut squash can be sweet, so maybe your herbs just got swallowed. Did you use fresh or dried rosemary (I mean like… the flavor)? Mine tasted better after baking too.
Tasty! I used ground beef instead of turkey and it still came out great. Also, what’s thyme?
Honestly, I found the flavor a bit bland. Added more spices but still eh.
375 is too low in my opinion—my squash didn’t get fully soft until I baked longer like 60 min. Otherwise good flavor.
I’m skeptical about baking after simmering—seems like it could dry out. Mine didn’t dry, but it did take longer than expected. Still, tasty and easy.
Mine did kinda dry out even though I followed it 😕 I’m wondering if 45 min is too long at 375 for cubed squash. Maybe cover it with foil or cut the bake time. Still tasted good, just not as moist as I wanted.
I get the skepticism—when you simmer something and then bake it, you’d think it would dry out. But the extra broth/tomatoes really help. I also found I needed a few extra minutes than the recipe says, though it was still juicy and flavorful.
Who knew squash could taste so good?! I was surprised. More recipes like this, please!
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!