5 Delicious Ground Turkey and Squash Recipes

Ground turkey and squash are a fantastic combination for any meal, offering a light yet flavorful dining experience. This versatile duo not only packs a punch of nutrition but also provides countless opportunities for culinary creativity. Whether you're looking for something hearty for dinner, a festive dish for a holiday meal, or just a simple, healthful weeknight dinner, these recipes can cater to your every culinary whim. Here, we'll explore five delicious recipes that make the most of this nutritious pairing.

1. Ground Turkey Stuffed Squash

This is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Starting with a roasted acorn or delicata squash, you’ll fill it with a savory mixture of ground turkey, spices, and a bit of cheese or breadcrumbs to achieve a delightful stuffing that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn or delicata squashes
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
• Seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, sage

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and roast face down for about 40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook the turkey with onions and garlic until browned. Add kale, cook until wilted, then mix in cheese and seasonings.
3. After roasting, turn squash halves right-side up, stuff with the turkey mixture, and return to the oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Note: You can substitute kale with spinach for a different flavor profile.

2. Turkey and Squash Chili

This chili is perfect for a cozy night or to share with friends. Combining ground turkey with butternut squash, tomatoes, beans, and a rich spice blend creates a dish that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chili powder
• Spices: cumin, oregano, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. In a large pot, cook turkey until browned, remove and set aside.
2. Saute onions and garlic, then add squash, cooking until it starts to soften.
3. Return turkey to pot, add tomatoes, beans, and spices. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until squash is tender.

3. Turkey and Squash Curry

The aromatic blend of spices in this curry makes for a mouthwatering dish that’s both exotic and comforting. Using kabocha squash, which has a nutty sweetness, and turkey, this curry brings together Asian flavors with a familiar meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 kabocha squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp curry paste (green, red, or yellow)
• Spices: turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt

Steps:

1. Heat oil, add onions, garlic, and cook until translucent. Add curry paste, cook until fragrant.
2. Add turkey, cook until browned. Stir in spices and coconut milk.
3. Add the kabocha squash and simmer until tender. Serve over rice or with naan.

💡 Note: Experiment with different curry pastes for variety.

4. Squash and Turkey Quinoa Bowl

For a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor, this quinoa bowl features roasted squash, sauteed ground turkey, and a refreshing yogurt sauce. It’s an ideal dish for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup quinoa
• ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Spices: salt, pepper, cumin

Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Roast squash at 375°F until tender and caramelized.
3. Cook turkey with spices until browned. Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, and a dash of cumin.
4. Assemble the bowl: quinoa, roasted squash, turkey, and a dollop of yogurt sauce on top.

5. Ground Turkey Lasagna with Squash “Noodles”

This recipe swaps traditional lasagna noodles for thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash, reducing carb intake while boosting nutrition. Ground turkey adds a lighter touch to the rich flavors of lasagna.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3-4 zucchini or yellow squash, sliced thinly
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Spices: basil, oregano, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown turkey with spices. Remove from heat.
2. In a baking dish, layer a small amount of marinara sauce, then squash slices, followed by ricotta, turkey, and mozzarella. Repeat layering, ending with cheese on top.
3. Bake for 45 minutes or until the squash is tender and cheese is bubbly.

In wrapping up these recipes, we’ve explored a variety of dishes that highlight the delicious and nutritious combination of ground turkey and squash. Each recipe offers a unique take on how versatile these ingredients can be, catering to different dietary needs and culinary preferences. From a simple, hearty curry to an innovative lasagna, these dishes prove that healthy eating can be flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing for a gathering, these recipes ensure that your meal will be both nutritious and delicious.