Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, caramelized butternut squash with spiced ground turkey and spinach, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Pantry Items & Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare for roasting the squash.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet for roasting.
- Roast Squash: Roast the butternut squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onions: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season Turkey: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the chopped spinach into the turkey mixture and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes, adding freshness and color.
- Combine Squash and Turkey: Remove the roasted butternut squash from the oven and add it to the skillet with the turkey and spinach mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover, and cook on low heat for about 1 minute or until the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Use any cheese of your choice; mozzarella or pepper jack are great alternatives.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce extra heat for those who like spice.
- If you prefer, prepare this in advance and reheat; the flavors improve after sitting.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted butternut squash, ground turkey, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, autumn recipe
