Rating: 3.78
(92)

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
3.78 from 92 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
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar mohammed.predovic31 says:

    4 stars
    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.

  2. User avatar Arnbjorn says:

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

  3. User avatar roy.spinka1981 says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for dinner on a chilly night! Love it!

  4. User avatar brain.boyer says:

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

  5. 1 star
    Did not like it. The turkey was weird. Will stick to beef next time.

  6. 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?

  7. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    3 stars
    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.

  8. 4 stars
    Turkey and squash? Sounds weird, but I gave it a shot. It was surprisingly tasty! Who knew I liked squash?

  9. User avatar tiffiny.blanda says:

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

  10. 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.

  11. User avatar San Shenlong says:

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

  12. 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!

  13. User avatar akilah.goodwin says:

    3 stars
    I think the butternut squash is overrated. Can’t it just be normal squash? Anyway, it was ok taste-wise, 3 stars.

  14. 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?

  15. User avatar ninfa.walter says:

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

  16. 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!

  17. 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.

  18. User avatar veronique.altenwerth36 says:

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

  19. 3 stars
    Not too sure about this one. The turkey turned out a bit dry for me. I think I’d prefer chicken next time.

  20. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    2 stars
    Eh… my turkey browned fine but the squash stayed a little firm. Maybe my squash wasn’t small enough. Flavor was ok, though.

3.78 from 92 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 315
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: