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!
I followed the recipe but the squash didn’t cook thoroughly. Should I have cut them smaller? Not sure about this one.
The ingredient list is simple and the result tastes like more effort than it really takes. I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was even better.
Luv it!!! I used ground beef instead cause that’s what I had, still turned out great!
Followed it mostly, but I simmered closer to 15 min before baking since my squash was huge. Still turned out great. Nice and hearty.
That sounds perfect! My squash has never been “small” either, so extending the simmer like that is probably the key. Glad it still turned out hearty 😊
I did it by the book and it was kinda watery for me… maybe I didn’t simmer long enough. 15 min makes sense if the squash is bigger. I’ll try that next time.
Not too sure about this one. The turkey turned out a bit dry for me. I think I’d prefer chicken next time.
Eh… my turkey browned fine but the squash stayed a little firm. Maybe my squash wasn’t small enough. Flavor was ok, though.
2 tbsp olive oil seems like a typo… mine was way greasy, and I had to blot it. Maybe my skillet was hotter than it should’ve been?
This was so good! I never thought butternut squash could taste this delicious. Definitely making it again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Butternut squash is a hidden gem. Have you tried adding some Parmesan on top? YUM!
Really? Butternut squash is just mushy, no offense. How can anyone find it delicious? 🤔
Nah, didn’t like it at all. It needed more flavor, I expected a punch but got a whisper.
Yum! My kids loved it and asked for seconds. I might try adding some cheese on top next time though. Great recipe!
Are you sure this is enough for 4 people? My family went for seconds, lol!
I love turkey bakes, but butternut is the real star here. Great weeknight meal—minimal fuss, good leftovers.
Not bad. Kinda bland unless you REALLY salt it. Also I don’t always have dried rosemary, so I used fresh and added more garlic. Came out way better that way.
Totally agree—mine tasted “meh” until I didn’t skimp on salt. I also added a pinch more pepper and it brought everything to life.
Fresh rosemary + extra garlic sounds legit. I never measure salt though, so “to taste” is my whole life 😂 Glad it came out better that way!
Solid comfort-food vibe. Next time I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes, because it felt a little mild for my taste.
Totally get that—mine always needs a little kick too. Red pepper flakes would probably make the flavors pop nicely with the thyme/rosemary.
Yum yum yum!! So comforting and filling! My family devoured this meal! 😋
This sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it with my family. Thanks for sharing!
Tried this tonight—so cozy and filling. Butternut stayed nice and tender after the bake, and the herb combo smells amazing. I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect.
Really cozy fall vibe. The butternut comes out tender and the rosemary thyme combo is super good—will make again for sure.
Eh, not my favorite. I’ve tasted better turkey dishes. Maybe it’s just me.
I totally understand! Everyone has their own taste. Maybe try adding some spices next time? It might help!
Turkey doesn’t belong in a bake! It should be ground beef. This is wrong.
Turkey + butternut is always a win. My kids actually asked for seconds—made it with extra garlic, because why not.
Love this combo—turkey + butternut is seriously comforting. Seconds from the kids is the real review! 😄 Extra garlic sounds perfect.
My kid didn’t like it (too many herbs), so I’ll probably cut the rosemary in half. Otherwise it smelled amazing.
Totally get that—rosemary can be pretty intense. Cutting it in half is a smart move, especially for kids. Glad it smelled amazing though!
My kid doesn’t like rosemary either. But cutting it in half might not be enough… next time try like 1/4 tsp. Also, are you sure the bake time is 45 min? My squash took longer at 375°F.
It’s okay, but I think it needs more garlic or somethin’. Just my opinion.
I totally agree! More garlic would make it sooo much better. It’s all about flavor, right?
Made this tonight and it turned out so comforting. The squash got sweet and the turkey stayed juicy. I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect.
This was sooo good! I loved how the butternut squash made it sweet, will def make again!
Not bad at all! I accidentally used italian seasoning instead of thyme/rosemary and it still worked, lol. Would make again for sure.
Nice! Love when substitutions still turn out good—italian seasoning is basically the universe’s shortcut 😄 This would be great with a little extra garlic too.
Huh I don’t know about swapping herbs like that. Italian seasoning usually has oregano and that can be overpowering… but hey if it worked for you I guess I’ll try it. Did you use the same amount (1 tsp)?
Not bad, but I found it a little bland until I salted more at the end. Also, 1 tsp rosemary felt like a lot for my taste—next time I’ll reduce that.
I dunno, 1 tsp rosemary seems about right to me? My husband’s obsessed with herby stuff. Also I salt when it’s simmering, not after, so maybe that’s why I didn’t notice blandness. But hey to each their own 😅
Totally agree—mine was pretty bland at first too. I ended up adding extra salt right at the end and a pinch of pepper and it made a big difference. I also think the rosemary can overpower fast; I’d cut it down next time like you said.
This came out super cozy and flavorful. The rosemary/thyme combo is perfect with the squash, and the turkey stayed juicy. I’ll make it again for sure.
Yes! The rosemary/thyme combo really does make it taste like a legit cozy fall meal. Glad the turkey stayed juicy—mine always dries out if I overcook it, so this is promising.
I dunno… 45 minutes feels like a lot for already-simmered squash. I tried something similar and my squash got kinda mushy. But if yours turned out perfect, I guess I’ll trust the process 😅
This was so yummy! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again! ❤️
So glad your family enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. ❤️
I dunno, sounds a bit weird to mix turkey with squash. 🤔
Turkey and squash? Sounds weird but actually tastes great! Who woulda thought? 🤪
Pretty good, but my squash wasn’t fully tender by 45 minutes. Next time I’ll either cut the cubes smaller or bake a bit longer. Flavor was solid though.
I skipped the thyme because I didn’t have it, still good! But I like thyme. Maybe next time.
I think it would be even better with the thyme! But hey, glad it turned out good anyway!
I’m skeptical about mixing canned tomatoes with broth—seems like it could get watery. Mine was a bit soupy at first, but it thickened in the oven.
Is 375 degrees really enough? Mine took longer to bake. 🤔
I’ve always found that some ovens just don’t heat as evenly. Maybe try a thermometer next time!
This is a great weeknight meal. Only thing: 1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary felt like a lot for me, so I’ll halve it next time. Otherwise really good.
Totally agree on the herbs—1 tsp each can be overpowering, especially if the rosemary is strong. Halving sounds like the move. Did you notice if it smelled more herby than “bready” or savory after baking?
It was okay, but too watery for my taste. Maybe less broth next time?
This dish was amazing! So easy to make and the flavors really come together. My family loved it.
I’m glad your family enjoyed it! It’s a hit in my house too. 😊
Sounds good, but my family doesn’t like squash. Any subs that work?
Mine came out a little watery. Next time I’ll reduce the chicken broth or bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.
This turned out really cozy and flavorful—squash was perfectly tender after the bake. I used fresh rosemary and it smelled amazing while cooking.
Totally agree—this really is cozy. I used fresh rosemary too and it filled the whole kitchen. Next time I might just cube the squash a little smaller so it’s done at the same time as the turkey.
Wrong? maybe. I skipped covering the skillet (oops) and it got kinda dry. Lesson learned: cover!
Ugh, yeah—covering really matters for squash. Dry bake is usually just missing that steam to soften it. Good catch!
I think it’s fine? Maybe your oven ran hot or the squash cubes were too big. But covering next time makes sense, I guess. 😅
I’m not sure about baking after simmering in the skillet—seemed a bit redundant. But the end result was still tasty and the turkey stayed juicy.
I really enjoyed this recipe! Easy to make and healthy too. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Glad you liked it! I made it last week and it was so good! Perfect balance of flavors.
So good so good! I didn’t have butternut squash, so I used regular squash instead and it still worked well!
I messed up and used sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash! Still turned out fine tho!
Not gonna lie, this tasted a little bland until I added extra salt and a pinch of chili flakes. After that? Way better.
Followed it pretty much exactly and it was great, but 10 minutes simmering felt a bit short—my squash needed closer to 15 before baking. Still delicious though.
Glad it turned out great! Yeah, squash can vary a lot—15 minutes sounds totally reasonable before baking. Thanks for the heads-up!
We simmered 10 and it was still kinda hard in the middle after 45 mins… might be our cubes were too big. Next time I’ll do longer, maybe 15 like you said.
Easy to make, but a bit bland for my taste. I need to spice it up more!
Followed the recipe exactly but ended up overcooking the turkey. Not sure if I’ll try again.
Super easy to make! I cut the cooking time by 10 mins and it was perfect.
I was skeptical about just simmering 10 minutes then baking, but it worked! The dish turned out pretty well-balanced—savory and not too heavy.
Good flavor, but my squash took way longer than 45 minutes to fully cook. Next time I’ll cube a bit smaller or simmer longer before baking. Still tasty though.
This is comfort food without being heavy. The squash turned perfectly tender after the 45 minutes—great flavor from the thyme/rosemary too.
Totally agree—this hits that cozy spot without feeling like a brick. I also loved the thyme/rosemary combo. Mine needed like 5 extra minutes though to really get the squash tender, but still turned out great!
Comfort food yes, but 45 min feels long for squash cubes? I did it once and mine came out a bit mushy. Still tasted good, just not the texture I wanted. Next time I’ll check earlier.
Pretty easy and filling. I don’t usually measure salt/pepper exactly, so I kind of eyeballed it and it still worked out.
I made this once but I think my turkey was too lean? It came out a bit dry for me. Also I didn’t cover it the second time in the oven… maybe that’s why 😅
That’s good to hear! I’m the same way with salt/pepper—eyeballing usually works fine. Did you end up needing more broth at all, or was it perfectly moist after baking?
The recipe is super straightforward, and I like that it’s one skillet + baking dish. I used turkey that was a little lean, so I added an extra splash of broth at the end—helped keep it moist.
This was absolutely delicious! The flavors blended so well together. I added a bit of chili powder for a kick, and it was perfect!
This was a nice change from my usual meals. I’ll definitely make it again!
I followed it pretty much exactly, but I had to bake closer to 55 minutes since my squash cubes were bigger. Still delicious though!
Five stars! My kid ate it and asked for seconds 😂
Aww that’s the best endorsement 😄 Mine always disappears too when I make this—kids love the flavor! 😂
I was skeptical about baking after simmering, but it worked. Texture was nice—squash tender, sauce not watery. Next time I might add a little more broth.
Meh. Ground turkey dries out for me, and 375°F for 45 min was too much. I think I would’ve browned it less or baked at lower temp.
Ground turkey always gets kinda dry for me. This wasn’t too bad, but I think I cooked it a bit too long in the skillet. Would be great with a little cheese on top I bet.