Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Recipe
A comforting and nutritious Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash skillet dish, featuring tender ground turkey simmered with sweet butternut squash and vibrant bell peppers, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs for a flavorful, wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ¾ cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat and sauté: Warm up the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper and continue sautéing until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook thoroughly until the turkey is browned and no longer pink inside.
- Add butternut squash and broth: Fold in the cubed butternut squash, then pour in the vegetable broth. Mix well to ensure most squash pieces are sitting in the liquid. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 12 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat once the squash is soft. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the dish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh touch. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the dish to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the turkey.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: ground turkey, butternut squash, skillet recipe, healthy dinner, Gruyère cheese, autumn recipe, one-pan meal
