Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole is a wholesome, comforting, and nutrient-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. With tender butternut squash, lean ground turkey, and aromatic herbs, this casserole brings together hearty ingredients that deliver both flavor and nourishment. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional casseroles but still incredibly satisfying.
Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole:
This dish is especially loved during fall and winter when butternut squash is at its peak. However, its simple preparation and balanced nutrition make it an ideal year-round choice. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a cozy, family-friendly meal, this casserole checks all the boxes.
History:
Casseroles became popular in American home cooking in the early 20th century as a convenient way to combine protein, vegetables, and starch into one dish. Turkey and squash combinations have deep roots in seasonal harvest cooking, particularly in North America where squash was a staple ingredient. Over time, health-focused cooks adapted traditional casseroles by substituting heavy ingredients with leaner alternatives like ground turkey and nutrient-rich butternut squash.
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Turkey Butternut Squash Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (to thicken)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- Extra shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam or roast the butternut squash until slightly tender (about 10–12 minutes).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and ground turkey; cook until browned.
- Season with thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a saucepan, whisk milk, broth, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened.
- Add shredded cheese and Parmesan; mix until creamy.
- Combine turkey mixture, sauce, and butternut squash in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash.
- Coconut milk makes the sauce dairy-free.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Use pre-cut squash to save prep time.
- Greek yogurt can be added for extra creaminess.
Tips for Butternut Casserole
- Roast the squash for richer flavour.
- Choose 93% lean turkey for the best texture.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Add a breadcrumb topping for crunch.
- Meal-prep friendly: stores well for 4 days.
FAQ’s for Butternut Squash:
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking; thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure all ingredients are GF labeled.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread pairs beautifully.
Conclusion:
Turkey Butternut Squash is a flavourful and nutritious dish that brings comfort and wholesome ingredients together in one easy bake. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option, a crowd-pleasing meal, or a cozy seasonal dish, this casserole delivers every time. With lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it’s a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.