Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Looking to add a little spice to your dinner routine? Our Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole combines hearty flavors with a healthy twist, making it perfect for any weeknight meal. It's a delightful spin on classic comfort food with a Southwest flair.

Ingredients for Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Spaghetti squash serves as the nutritious base, offering a lovely, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the bold Southwest seasonings. A drizzle of olive oil helps the squash roast perfectly, enhancing its natural taste. Ground turkey keeps the dish light yet filling, balancing well with the spices. The combination of onion, garlic, and bell pepper brings a savory depth that elevates the entire casserole. Black beans add protein and a creamy texture, while corn provides a pop of sweetness. The diced tomatoes with green chilies contribute acidity and a slight heat, pulled together with the flavorful punch of taco seasoning. Top it all with shredded cheddar cheese for a melty, gooey finish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • To make cutting the spaghetti squash easier, pierce it a few times with a fork and microwave for 3-5 minutes before slicing.
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later. Just be sure to bake it first, then let it cool before freezing.
  • If you prefer spicier dishes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the turkey mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, bringing a refreshing balance to the dish. If you're up for it, a side of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips makes for a deliciously fun meal enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef would work just as well. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can skip the meat and add more beans or even some quinoa for protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up. While that's happening, cut your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Be careful, it's a tough nut! Scoop out those seeds with a sturdy spoon. Drizzle the inside of the squash with olive oil, and sprinkle it with some salt and pepper for flavor. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. They’ll need about 35-40 minutes to become tender.

Meanwhile, grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Toss in the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. You want a nice brown on it, but don't let it dry out. Once the turkey is browned, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook everything together until the veggies are nice and soft. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, just enough time to let all those flavors meld together.

Once your squash is done roasting, take it out of the oven and let it cool just enough to handle. Use a fork to scrape the squash into strands and gather them into a large mixing bowl. To this bowl, add your turkey and vegetable mixture. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer this delightful mix into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring a good, even layer. Lower your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to melt and get a little bubbly.

Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for that perfect finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Low-carb and packed with nutrients, thanks to spaghetti squash.
  • Easy to make ahead of time for stress-free dinners.
  • Uses everyday ingredients with a flavorful twist.
  • Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

1 large spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned.
6. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
7. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
8. Once the squash is roasted, use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large mixing bowl.
9. Add the turkey and vegetable mixture to the bowl with the squash strands and mix well.
10. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
11. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!