Ground turkey browns with diced butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, and sage creating complete fall dinner in single skillet: 30-minute one-pan wonder with maple-cider glaze feeds 4 generously for under $15—harvest comfort, weeknight sheet pan alternative, holiday side upgrade.
Introduction
Easy One-Pan Butternut Turkey Dinner delivers autumn complete meal: lean ground turkey crisps with butternut squash caramelization, Brussels sprouts char, apple sweetness, fresh sage earthiness. Maple-cider reduction ties harvest flavors glossy. No chopping boards multiple pans.
Single skillet efficiency: high-heat turkey browning builds fond, vegetables roast in turkey fat, glaze finishes sticky shine. Perfect busy fall evenings, Thanksgiving sides, meal prep bowls craving seasonal without fuss. Naturally gluten-free, high protein.
What Makes One-Pan Fall Special
Ground turkey lean protein crisps high-heat while butternut natural sugars caramelize against pan. Brussels sprout outer leaves char Brussels perfection. Honeycrisp apple chunks hold shape providing juice. Fresh sage leaves crisp aromatic. Maple-cider glaze reduces turkey fond into glossy sauce.
Cast iron/skillet high sides contain everything. Turkey fat replacement oil unnecessary. Every bite delivers turkey crunch, squash sweetness, sprout bitterness, apple brightness.
Texture perfection: crispy turkey bits, caramelized squash, charred sprouts, juicy apple.
Essential Ingredients
One-Pan Turkey Dinner
- 1½ lbs ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 3 cups butternut squash, ¾-inch cubes
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, ¾-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Maple Cider Glaze
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Garnish
- Chopped pecans
- Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Turkey Crisp Foundation
Large cast iron skillet high heat: 1 tbsp olive oil, ground turkey crumble, salt, pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes golden crispy bits form. Push edges pan.
Vegetable Roast
Add butternut cubes, Brussels halves, apple chunks around turkey. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, sage leaves scatter. Cook undisturbed 8 minutes char/caramelize. Stir, cook 5 minutes tender.
Maple Cider Glaze
Small bowl whisk cider, maple, Dijon, vinegar. Pour skillet, scrape fond. Cook 3-4 minutes glaze thickens clings glossy.
Finish & Serve
Pecans, parsley sprinkle. Family style skillet center table.
Pro Tips for Success
93/7 turkey = crispy without grease pool.
Uniform vegetable cubes = even cooking essential.
Undisturbed first roast = char development.
Cast iron = superior heat retention; nonstick works.
Sage leaves crisp = flavor bomb; dried 1 tsp substitute.
Double glaze; spooning irresistible.
Rest 2 minutes flavors settle.
Serving Suggestions
Harvest table: roasted grapes, wild rice pilaf.
Weeknight bowl: quinoa base, yogurt dollop.
Holiday side: turkey dinner protein.
Meal prep: 4 containers lunch perfection.
Soup topper: ladle over butternut soup.
Variations and Customizations
Ground chicken lighter swap.
Sweet potato cubes color variation.
Spicy: ½ tsp chipotle powder turkey.
Vegan: plant turkey crumbles, maple tempeh.
Kale handful final wilt greens.
Pomegranate arils ruby pop.
Cauliflower rice low-carb base.
Why Perfect for Fall
30 minutes total—one pan cleanup.
Feeds 4 completely; $12-15 total vs $30+ restaurant.
Seasonal harvest table stunner.
Complete nutrition protein/veggies/fiber.
Maple-cider aromas autumn happiness.
Conclusion
Easy One-Pan Butternut Turkey Dinner proves fall comfort needs no complication: crispy ground turkey with caramelized squash, charred Brussels, juicy apple ready in 30 minutes. Single skillet high-heat + maple-cider glaze delivers harvest perfection faster than seasonal restaurant, feeding autumn joyfully for under $15.
Strategic turkey fond + vegetable char ensures textural flavor explosion consistently while scaling effortlessly dinners or holidays. Maple brightness balances earthiness perfectly. Transform seasons instantly. Skillet tonight—discover why butternut turkey redefines one-pan mastery.