Is roasted butternut healthy?

Yes. It’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, making it both hearty and nourishing.

What meat tastes good with butternut squash?

Lean meats like turkey, chicken, or pork pair well because their savory notes balance the squash’s sweetness.

What to serve with roasted butternut squash healthy?

This meal is complete as-is, but a side salad or warm bread makes it extra cozy.

How best to roast butternut squash?

Toss it in oil and seasonings, spread evenly on a pan, and roast at high heat until caramelized and tender. Avoid crowding the pieces for perfect browning.

Healthy Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey

Description

A cozy, protein-packed dinner featuring caramelized butternut squash, lean ground turkey, fluffy couscous, and a splash of lemon. It’s sweet, savory, and full of balanced nutrition perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp canola oil (plus 1½ tsp for turkey mixture)

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp salt (plus ½ tsp for turkey mixture)

½ tsp black pepper (plus ½ tsp for turkey mixture)

1 cup couscous

1 cup boiling water

1½ cups red onion, finely minced

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

3 cups Swiss chard, finely chopped (including stems)

Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced butternut squash with canola oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding. Roast for 35 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes until caramelized.

2. Boil 1 cup water and pour over couscous in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 7 minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.

3. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced red onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add ground turkey and all seasonings. Let cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring to brown, then break up and stir. Add chopped Swiss chard and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted and turkey is fully cooked.

4. Assemble plates with couscous, turkey mixture, and roasted squash. Drizzle lemon juice on top before serving.

Notes

Cut squash into uniform ½-inch cubes for even roasting. Avoid crowding the pan so the squash caramelizes properly. Let the turkey brown undisturbed for a richer flavor. Add Swiss chard at the end to prevent excess moisture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Roasted and Sautéed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 340
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg