Delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe for Healthy Eating

Why Make This Recipe

Stuffed spaghetti squash is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat healthy. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without the heavy carbs. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be customized to suit your taste.

How to Make Delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Add the diced onions and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine well, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Once the squash is roasted, use a fork to scrape out the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands, and mix these strands into the vegetable and meat mixture.
9. Stuff the squash shells with the filling, packing it nicely. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

How to Serve Delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Serve your delicious stuffed spaghetti squash warm. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side.

How to Store Delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

To store leftover stuffed spaghetti squash, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for a longer shelf life, just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

• Make sure to roast the spaghetti squash thoroughly for the best texture.
• Feel free to use any ground meat you prefer, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Don’t skip on the cheese! A good amount of mozzarella on top helps bring the dish together.

Variation

You can easily customize the filling based on what you have on hand. Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even olives for added flavor. If you’d like a spicy kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses like cheddar, feta, or even a vegan cheese option if you prefer.

2. How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done roasting?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender and easily shreds with a fork, usually after 30-40 minutes of roasting.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and roast the spaghetti squash. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

A healthy and delicious dish, stuffed spaghetti squash is packed with nutrients and perfect for meal prep. Customize it to suit your taste!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef You can use any ground meat or a plant-based alternative.
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese A generous amount for topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.

Cooking

1. While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the diced onions and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
5. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine well, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Assembly

1. Once the squash is roasted, use a fork to scrape out the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands, and mix these strands into the vegetable and meat mixture.
2. Stuff the squash shells with the filling, packing it nicely.
3. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Baking

1. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure to roast the spaghetti squash thoroughly for the best texture. Feel free to customize the filling with other vegetables or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Leftover stuffed spaghetti squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer shelf life.