I remember the first time I made roasted butternut squash with ground turkey—it was one of those evenings when I needed a reliable dish, something healthy and filling without too much fuss. I had just picked up some fresh squash at the farmer’s market, and the ground turkey was sitting patiently in my fridge. I wanted something simple but tasty, and this recipe fit perfectly. As it cooked, the warmth and sweet autumn flavors filled the kitchen. By the time dinner was served, my family was hooked. This roasted butternut squash with ground turkey has since become a go-to for busy weeknights and cozy fall dinners.
What I love most about this dish is how it balances wholesome ingredients with ease. You’re working with familiar items that won’t require a special trip to the store. And because it brings together a healthy turkey skillet and a roasted butternut squash dish in one, it feels like a complete meal. It’s the kind of recipe I trust to deliver consistent results, every time.
Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a hungry crowd, roasted butternut squash with ground turkey is a comforting autumn squash dinner that keeps everyone happy. If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a dependable dish that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen, this one’s for you. You’ll find a blend of flavors that feels simple and satisfying, plus tips I’ve picked up to make it even easier.
If you love this dish, you might also enjoy a turkey medallions dinner with orange teriyaki sauce or a stuffed butternut squash recipe that packs in more seasonal flavors. For sweet companions, a butternut squash apple coffee cake makes a nice finish. Cooking friends often ask me for the best ground turkey recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and doable—roasted butternut squash with ground turkey fits the bill beautifully.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
No worries if you don’t have a fresh butternut squash—I often use frozen cubes for convenience in my roasted butternut squash with ground turkey. - 1 pound ground turkey (lean, 93% lean or higher recommended)
This is the star protein for our healthy turkey skillet; regular ground turkey works fine, and it’s budget-friendly too. - 1 medium onion, diced
You’ll find onions in the grocery store’s produce aisle—they add a subtle sweetness and depth. - 2 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic brings that friendly home-cooked vibe. I sometimes swap garlic powder if I’m in a hurry. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Keeps the roasted butternut squash with ground turkey moist and flavorful. Substitute with avocado or vegetable oil if needed. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Adds a warm, earthy note to the ground turkey and squash bake. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
This smoky flavor gives the dish a little extra oomph, but regular paprika works just fine. - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
For a fresh finish when serving.
This roasted butternut squash with ground turkey uses ingredients you probably have on hand—good cooking shouldn’t need a special shopping trip. One little change I like to make is adding a pinch more smoked paprika to brighten the flavor just a bit. Budget-wise, this dish keeps costs reasonable because it relies mostly on staple produce and ground turkey, which is usually affordable.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight. For quick prep, consider peeling and dicing your squash ahead of time or buying pre-cut butternut squash from the store—both save valuable time on busy nights.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
Roasting the squash at a high temperature caramelizes it nicely, giving you that lovely naturally sweet flavor in your roasted butternut squash with ground turkey. - Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting. - Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Your kitchen will smell amazing as the squash gets tender and golden. Keep an eye for slight browning edges—that’s exactly what you want. - While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds to wake up the spices.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink—around 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Don’t rush this step; giving the turkey time to brown slightly improves the flavor of your ground turkey recipe in this roasted butternut squash dish. - Once the squash is roasted, add it to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir gently to combine all the flavors into a tasty autumn squash dinner.
- Warm everything through for just a couple of minutes.
If your roasted butternut squash with ground turkey looks a little dry, a splash of chicken broth or water can help bring it together. - Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like.
Serve hot and get ready for some satisfied smiles.
This entire roasted butternut squash with ground turkey recipe from start to finish takes about 40-45 minutes. While it cooks, you can set the table or make a simple crisp salad for a fresh side. This dish is forgiving if your squash edges get a bit more roasted than planned—it actually adds a lovely caramelized flavor.
If you want more ways to enjoy ground turkey and squash bake, check out this Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet | Garden in the Kitchen—they have a flavorful twist I tried and loved.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This roasted butternut squash with ground turkey pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a crisp contrast. I also like serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic toast when we want something to soak up all the juices.
For cozy autumn evenings, this roasted butternut squash with ground turkey is a welcome meal on its own, perfect for after-school dinners or a weekend gathering. Friends who try it appreciate the balance of flavors—there’s nothing heavy, just good, comforting food.
My favorite way to serve this roast is topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a subtle tang. It makes it feel a little special without any fancy fuss.
Got leftovers? Try spooning the mix into warm tortillas for quick ground turkey and squash bake tacos or stir it into cooked quinoa for a hearty lunch the next day.
During the fall months, I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the squash before roasting—adds a wonderful seasonal note. If you’re curious about stuffing squash yourself, Eating European offers a lovely turkey-stuffed acorn squash recipe, which highlights the same autumn flavors from a different angle.
Whether for weeknight family dinners or casual holidays, this roasted butternut squash with ground turkey has become a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Your Questions Answered:
- Can I make this roasted butternut squash with ground turkey ahead of time?
Definitely! It actually tastes great reheated, and I often prepare it a day in advance for busy nights. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or microwave. - What’s a good substitute for butternut squash in this dish?
Acorn squash or kabocha squash work well as swaps. Frozen butternut squash cubes are great too if fresh isn’t available. Even diced sweet potatoes can substitute in a pinch. - Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
You sure can. The flavors are similar, and the cooking process is the same. Ground turkey is just a lean option many of us like for a healthy turkey skillet. - How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
This recipe scales well. To feed more, just increase ground turkey and squash in equal parts. For fewer servings, simply halve the ingredients; the cooking time will remain roughly the same. - Any tips for prepping butternut squash easily?
Peeling and dicing squash isn’t everyone’s favorite chore. A kitchen tip: microwave the whole squash for a couple of minutes to soften the skin slightly, making it easier to peel. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this roasted butternut squash with ground turkey freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. - I want more spice—any suggestions?
Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during the turkey cooking step adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweetness of the squash. - Where can I find other ground turkey and squash bake ideas?
Check out this active Facebook group sharing recipes like ground turkey and roasted butternut squash. It’s great for fresh inspiration.
Final Thoughts:
This roasted butternut squash with ground turkey has a special place in my recipe collection because it’s honest cooking made easy. It’s a practical weeknight solution that feels satisfying and fresh. What I love most is how you can tweak it—adding extra spices, swapping squash types, or pairing it with different sides.
My Best roasted butternut squash with ground turkey Tips:
- Take your time roasting the squash evenly to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush browning the turkey; that step builds a solid flavor base.
- Use fresh herbs at the end to brighten the whole dish.
Over time, I’ve tested versions with added kale, diced apples, and even a touch of maple syrup for a sweeter twist. The version with smoky paprika remains the most requested at my table.
I hope you’ll find this roasted butternut squash with ground turkey as reliable and satisfying as I do. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Give it a try—you’ll love how it warms your kitchen and your dinner guests. For more dishes featuring ground turkey, check out my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce to keep your weeknight meals exciting.
Happy cooking, friends!
roasted butternut squash with ground turkey
A wholesome and flavorful dish combining savory ground turkey with sweet roasted butternut squash, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and spread out on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Season the turkey with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Once the squash is roasted, combine it with the cooked ground turkey in the skillet or serve the turkey over the squash.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For added depth, try topping the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.