Name: Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet with Rainbow Chard
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups); 1 bunch rainbow chard, stems removed and leaves chopped; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

A wholesome and satisfying one-pan meal, this Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet with Rainbow Chard brings together lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and warm spices in a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. I love how it delivers deep flavor with just a few simple ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when I want something healthy without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

1 lb ground turkey

1 small yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)

1 bunch rainbow chard, stems removed and leaves chopped

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

I start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

I add the chopped onion and cook it for 3-4 minutes until it softens, stirring often.

Then I stir in the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds.

I add the ground turkey, break it up with a spatula, and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.

I season the turkey with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.

Then I stir in the diced butternut squash and mix everything well.

I cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender.

I add the chopped rainbow chard and cook it for 2-3 more minutes until wilted.

To finish, I like to splash in some lemon juice for brightness before serving hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories per serving: approximately 320 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap out ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef depending on what I have on hand.

If rainbow chard isn’t available, I use spinach or kale as great substitutes.

For added flavor, I like tossing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.

To make it heartier, I’ve served this over cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating is easy—I just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in 30-second bursts until hot. If it seems a little dry, I splash in a bit of water or broth when reheating. This dish also holds up well for meal prep.

FAQs

How do I peel and dice butternut squash easily?

I like to cut off the ends, peel the squash with a vegetable peeler, slice it in half, remove the seeds, and then dice it into cubes. For an even quicker prep, pre-cut squash from the store works too.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! I swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version. It still turns out hearty and delicious.

What does rainbow chard taste like?

Rainbow chard has a mild, slightly earthy flavor and cooks down like spinach. The colorful stems are also edible and add great texture if chopped finely and cooked a bit longer.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make it ahead and divide it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats well and the flavors deepen over time.

Can I freeze this skillet meal?

Yes, I let it cool completely and then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet with Rainbow Chard is my go-to for a cozy, healthy dinner that doesn’t take much effort. With its balanced flavors and vibrant ingredients, it’s a satisfying option that makes clean eating both easy and enjoyable. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding my family, it always hits the spot.

📖 Recipe:

Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet with Rainbow Chard

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A wholesome and satisfying one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, sweet butternut squash, and vibrant rainbow chard. It’s packed with nutrients, warm spices, and perfect for a healthy 30-minute dinner.