Irresistible Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet : A Healthy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Love

When you’re looking for a hearty yet wholesome dinner that comes together quickly, this Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect balance of lean protein, tender vegetables, and comforting flavors — all made in one pan.

This dish is ideal if you’re exploring chopped butternut squash recipes, creative butternut squash and turkey recipes, or easy squash skillet recipes that fit busy weeknights and healthy meal plans alike.

If you’ve loved our other quick and healthy dinners like garlic butter cheeseburger rollups or pretzel crusted chicken, this butternut squash turkey skillet will be another favorite to add to your weeknight rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash And Turkey Recipe

This dish is a winner because it’s:

• Healthy, with lean ground turkey and vitamin-packed squash.
• Made in one skillet — fewer dishes to wash.
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different diets.
• Packed with flavor and texture.
• Ready in under an hour — ideal for weeknights.

It’s also a wonderful seasonal option when squash is abundant, making it a great addition to your list of go-to turkey and squash recipes.

Ingredients For Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to serve 4–6 people:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese

For a creative variation, you can swap the butternut squash for acorn squash to create a turkey acorn squash version.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need For Squash Skillet Recipes

You’ll only need a few simple tools to make this dish:

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How To Make Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet Step By Step

Here’s how to prepare this delicious ground turkey squash recipe:

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add squash and broth

Stir in cubed butternut squash and pour in broth. Mix well, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Simmer until tender

Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or Parmesan, if desired, and serve hot.

For a comforting side, consider serving with our pumpkin rolls or pairing with a green salad.

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Tips For Perfect Ground Turkey Squash Recipes Every Time

• Cut squash into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — if doubling the recipe, use a larger skillet.
• Use ground turkey with a little fat (at least 93%) for more flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• If the squash cooks faster than expected, remove the lid to let excess moisture evaporate.

These tips also work beautifully for other turkey and butternut squash recipes.

Creative Variations: Turkey Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash Turkey, And More

This recipe is easily adaptable. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Replace butternut squash with acorn squash or even delicata squash for a turkey acorn squash version.
• Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
• Toss in cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it a complete grain bowl.
• Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a slight twist.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.

These variations keep your butternut squash turkey dinners exciting and flavorful.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Turkey And Squash Recipes

• Cutting squash pieces too large — they’ll take longer to cook.
• Overcooking the turkey, which can dry it out.
• Using too much liquid — this can make the dish soupy.
• Not seasoning enough — squash and turkey are mild and benefit from spices.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll master ground turkey butternut squash skillet cooking.

Serving Suggestions For Turkey And Butternut Squash Recipes

This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• A crisp green salad or coleslaw.
• Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli.
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.
• Warm bread or our garlic butter cheeseburger rollups as a fun side.

These options turn your skillet into a complete, comforting meal.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers Of Chopped Butternut Squash Recipes

Cool leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too dry.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for easy future meals.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash And Turkey Recipes

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.

Can I use frozen squash?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it spicier?
Of course — add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts: Try This Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet Tonight

This irresistible ground turkey butternut squash skillet combines everything you want in a weeknight dinner — healthy ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers.

If you loved this dish, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more ground turkey squash recipes, one-pan meals, and creative seasonal ideas. Check out our dinner recipe collection for more inspiration.

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