Spaghetti squash casserole in the shell –Hey there, friends! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and healthy recipe that’s sure to please the whole family. If you’re craving some comfort food that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole. It’s a dish that brings together the savory and spicy goodness of the Southwest with the lightness of spaghetti squash. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This casserole is not just good for the soul but also easy on the waistline. The spaghetti squash serves as a fantastic base, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the ingredients while providing a healthy alternative. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the insides with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until tender.
- While the squash is roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Once the spaghetti squash is done, use a fork to scrape the insides into strands. Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and wholesome Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole!
This dish is not only wonderful for dinner but also makes for fantastic leftovers. You can enjoy it throughout the week, and with that layer of cheese melting on top, what’s not to love? So, gather your ingredients and get to cooking this scrumptious casserole!