This Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal packed with healthy goodness! The savory ground turkey pairs wonderfully with sweet, tender butternut squash.
Cooking in one skillet means less mess, and who doesn’t love that? Plus, the colorful mix makes dinner feel like a cozy celebration at home. I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is perfect for a healthy protein source. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or lean beef can work, too. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure they are cooked through.
Butternut Squash: Its sweetness balances the savory turkey wonderfully. If butternut squash is hard to find, sweet potatoes or even zucchini can be good substitutes, just adjust cooking times for the different textures.
Onion and Bell Pepper: They add great flavor and texture. You can swap them for leeks or even frozen mixed vegetables if you’re short on time or fresh produce.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a lovely depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can be used. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and spices to suit your taste!
How Can I Cook the Eggs Perfectly in This Skillet?
Getting the eggs just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they’re cooked to your liking:
- Once the butternut squash is tender, create small wells in the mixture.
- Crack an egg into each well, then cover the skillet. This traps steam and helps cook the eggs without burning.
- Cook on low heat to control the cooking. Keep an eye on them; around 5-7 minutes should give you that perfect runny yolk.
Feel free to adjust the cooking time if you want your eggs more firm or runny, and remember to season the eggs with a splash of pepper just before serving!
Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2-3 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You can whip up this delicious skillet dish in about 30 minutes. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 20 minutes to cook everything together. A quick and easy meal for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and turn slightly translucent.
2. Add the Flavors:
Next, throw in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another minute until you can smell all the delicious aromas wafting throughout your kitchen!
3. Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is combined well.
4. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
Once the turkey is cooked, slide it to one side of the skillet. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil onto the empty side and toss in the cubed butternut squash. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes until the squash is nice and tender, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking.
5. Combine and Add Eggs:
Now that your squash is tender, mix it together with the turkey evenly. Make 2 or 3 small wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.
6. Cook the Eggs:
Cover the skillet again and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. If you prefer runny yolks, keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and feel free to add a sprinkle of black pepper on the eggs if you like. Serve warm right from the skillet for a comforting, nutritious meal!
Enjoy this hearty, nutrient-packed skillet dish that’s quick to make and full of delicious flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time since frozen squash typically cooks faster than fresh.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or tempeh work great. Just be sure to adjust the spices if using a different meat, especially if it’s more or less fatty than turkey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground turkey and replace it with a mix of beans (like black beans or chickpeas) and add more veggies. You can still include the eggs for protein, or use tofu if you prefer.