Sheet Pan Butternut Squash and Ground Turkey Bake
A sheet pan butternut squash & turkey bake that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep with easy cleanup in just 25-30 minutes!
If you’re looking for an easy recipe that delivers a lot of flavor, this Sheet Pan Butternut Squash and Ground Turkey Bake is a game changer! It’s packed with hearty ingredients like butternut squash, lean ground turkey, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. The best part? Everything is roasted on a large baking sheet for easy cleanup, meaning you spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your food. Does it get any better than that?!
This dish offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The natural sweetness from the butternut squash and apple pairs beautifully with the herb-infused turkey mixture. Plus, the combination of spinach, garlic, and onion adds depth to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a complete meal or a side dish recipe, this one-pan wonder is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan simplicity – Everything is cooked on a large baking sheet, so there’s easy cleanup afterward.
- Healthy & nutritious – Lean ground turkey, butternut squash, and spinach make this a wholesome, well-balanced main dish.
- Packed with flavor – The blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and onion ensures that every bite is delicious.
- Versatile – Serve it as a main dish or pair it with other side dish recipes, like roasted brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
- Perfect for meal prep – Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them the next day.
A Breakdown of the Ingredients
- Butternut Squash – The star of this butternut squash recipe, this ingredient adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- Lean Ground Turkey – A great source of protein with not too much fat, making it a healthier alternative to ground beef.
- Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics that add a lot of flavor to the turkey mixture.
- Apple – A secret ingredient that adds a subtle touch of sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
- Spinach – A nutrient-packed green that adds color and freshness to the dish.
- Fresh Herbs & Spices – Parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper create an earthy, savory depth.
- Olive Oil – A drizzle of olive oil helps everything roast to golden brown perfection.
How to Make the Recipe
Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and cube the butternut squash using a sharp knife.
- Dice the onion and apple, and mince the garlic for the best flavor.
Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash, apple, and spinach with a bit of olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic, salt, and herbs to create a flavorful turkey mixture.
Assemble on the Baking Sheet
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spread out the squash mixture in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Crumble the turkey mixture evenly across the sheet pan.
Bake to Perfection
- Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fork-tender and the turkey is fully cooked.
- Stir halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Check Out More of My Low-Prep Meals
If preparation time is keeping you from eating healthier, try some of these low-prep meals to save you time in the kitchen.
How to Store the Recipe
This dish is great for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge!
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a baking dish at medium heat (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a sharp knife to safely and efficiently peel and cube the butternut squash.
- Don’t overcrowd the large baking sheet—keeping everything in a single layer helps with even roasting.
- Add variety by swapping the butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different twist. If you love sweet potato recipes, this is a great variation!
- For extra crunch, toss in some roasted brussels sprouts or nuts like pecans.
- Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
This Sheet Pan Butternut Squash and Ground Turkey Bake is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or as part of your meal prep, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, complete meal with minimal effort.
FAQs
Yes! If you prefer ground beef, you can substitute it for the lean ground turkey, but note that it may release more fat.
It should be fork-tender and have a lightly golden brown edge.
Absolutely! Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers would make great additions.
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them the next day or throughout the week.
Sheet Pan Butternut Squash and Ground Turkey Bake
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 onion diced
- 1 apple peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp parsley
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, combine cubed butternut squash, diced apple, spinach with olive oil.
- In an another bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, minced garlic, salt, and herbs.
- Combine all ingredients on greased baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until squash is fork tender.