This ground turkey and butternut squash skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner—hearty, nourishing, and full of flavor. Light yet satisfying, this one-pan meal is designed to be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. It combines protein, veggies, and comforting flavors without weighing you down with heavy carbs.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dinner for the family, a quick meal prep option, or a cozy fall-inspired dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Ground Turkey Skillet is Amazing
There are several reasons why this ground turkey and butternut squash skillet stands out:
- Complete Meal in One Pan: Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and subtle carbs, it’s a full dinner in a single skillet.
- Quick & Simple: From start to finish, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one skillet saves time and reduces mess, perfect for hectic nights.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time; leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.
Butternut squash is one of the highlights of this recipe. Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory turkey and a hint of smokiness from paprika. This versatile vegetable is perfect for adding color, flavor, and seasonal charm to your dinner.
Other butternut squash recipes you might enjoy include roasted squash soups, stuffed squash with sausage and apples, or a hearty squash and quinoa salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This skillet recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find:
- Ground turkey: lean, protein-packed, and quick to cook
- Butternut squash: peeled and cubed for even cooking
- Onion, garlic, and red bell pepper: add sweetness and depth
- Olive oil: for sautéing
- Vegetable broth: helps soften the squash and keeps the dish moist
- Gruyère cheese: optional, for a creamy finish
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro: for garnish
- Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika: essential seasoning
With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can have a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
How to Make Ground Turkey & Butternut Squash Skillet
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet. Add the ground turkey, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the turkey is no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add Butternut Squash: Stir in the cubed squash and vegetable broth. Mix to ensure most of the squash is covered by liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 12 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Remove the skillet from the stovetop and sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top. Bake in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
This simple method delivers a warm, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Meal Prep Tips
This skillet is excellent for meal prep. Divide leftovers into individual containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, healthy dinner during the week.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Swap ground turkey for chicken, beef, pork, or a plant-based alternative like tofu.
- Vegetables: Use other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or yams instead of butternut squash.
- Cheese: Substitute Gruyère with cheddar, mozzarella, or a dairy-free cheese option. Skip cheese entirely for a Whole30-friendly version.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro works best, but sage or thyme are also delicious.
Using a cast iron skillet helps ensure even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out. For best results, choose high-quality meat and organic or grass-fed options whenever possible.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet can shine on its own, it pairs beautifully with seasonal sides. Try it with:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with maple glaze
- Apple and sausage stuffing
- Layered over rice or quinoa
- Stuffed into tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for a fun twist
The versatility of this skillet makes it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is not only flavorful but also highly versatile. Its natural sweetness enhances savory dishes and works well in soups, salads, and casseroles. You can roast it, mash it, or stuff it—there are endless ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite.
Hearty Ground Turkey & Butternut Squash Skillet: A 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium butternut squash (about 3 cups cubed)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
3/4 cup Gruyère cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey:
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until turkey is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. -
Cook the Butternut Squash:
Stir in cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. Ensure most of the squash is submerged in the liquid. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for approximately 12 minutes, or until the squash is tender. -
Add Cheese (Optional):
Remove from stovetop, sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top, and bake in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes, or until melted and slightly golden. -
Garnish and Serve:
Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Skillet Choice: Cast iron distributes heat evenly and prevents meat from drying out.
- Protein Substitutions: Ground turkey can be replaced with chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for vegetarian/vegan diets.
- Vegetable Alternatives: Use sweet potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables in place of butternut squash.
- Cheese Options: Swap Gruyère for cheddar, mozzarella, or a dairy-free alternative. Skip for Whole30 compliance.
- Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or sage can be used for garnish.
- Meal Prep: Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat easily.
