Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, one-pan Whole30 dinner featuring ground turkey and roasted butternut squash infused with warming spices and fresh herbs. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground turkey, butternut squash, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until tender and starting to brown.
  2. Step 2: Remove the squash from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the roasted butternut squash to the skillet and toss to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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