Description
A refined weeknight dish featuring browned ground turkey and caramelized butternut squash, finished with balsamic vinegar and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, lean, room temperature
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional), finely grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add butternut squash cubes in a single layer, cooking without moving for 4–5 minutes until golden. Stir and continue cooking until tender and lightly caramelized, about 6–8 more minutes. Season lightly with salt.
- Push the squash to the side, add remaining oil, and reduce heat to medium. Add onions with a pinch of salt, cooking until translucent and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains and bits begin to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze with warm broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Add balsamic and herbs, then fold in the caramelized squash. If too dry, add a splash more broth.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped herbs. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt into the sauce.
Notes
Serve family-style garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan. For elevated plating, serve over creamy polenta or buttered barley, finishing with a drizzle of good olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg