Ingredients
– 1 medium spaghetti squash
– 1 pound ground turkey or beef
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Olive oil, for cooking
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating the Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole can be a delightful experience if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle a little olive oil on the cut sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
3. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Then add the ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.
5. Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
6. Scrape Out the Spaghetti Squash: Once cooked, remove the squash from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then scrape the insides with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.
7. Combine Squash and Meat Mixture: Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
These straightforward steps will guide you in effortlessly creating this flavorful casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 24g