Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

momjan's Note:

A really good recipe, low cal, lots of veggies. And kids love it. I'll put a few variations in it as well. Everything is approximate, so hope you can cook this way!!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 2.0 boats

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 lb ground beef (or veggie burger) or 1 lb ground turkey (or veggie burger) or 1 lb ground chicken (or veggie burger)
• 2 -3 garlic cloves, crushed, diced
• 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2-1 bell pepper, diced (use all colors, red, green, yellow, orange for color)
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon oil or 1 teaspoon cooking spray
• italian seasoning mix (oregano, basil, etc)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese or 1 cup feta

Directions:

1. Pierce the squash along one side in a straight line. Don't poke holes all over. You are using the skin as a casserole dish and it will leak if you poke it all over.
2. Microwave the squash about 8-10 minutes, high heat. To softish stage so you can scrape the flesh out later.
3. Remove from microwave. Using the pierce marks, cut the squash in half so you have two long 'boats.' Cool.
4. Brown meat; add garlic, onion, s&p and peppers. Cook until tenderish. Add Italian spice mix and canned tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. If you are not using meat, sauté the veggies until tender, then continue adding spices and tomatoes.
6. While it's simmering--spoon out the seedy portion of the squash and discard.
7. Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti into strands. Put the strands into the sauce mix. Stir. Transfer back into boats, piling high! If you have too much, put the remainder into a greased dish.
8. Place boats on an ovenproof pan with a lip so any juice will not drip onto oven.
9. Sprinkle cheese of choice onto top. Bake, 350°F for about 45 minutes. Enjoy!
10. You can of course use more or any veggies--add zucchini, mushrooms, etc. For a different flavor, add black olive slices, mix in 1/2 container of feta and sprinkle the remainder of feta on top. Or use parmesan on top.

Reviews

[Azia's Mommy]

This was absolutely AWESOME! It was a HUGE hit with my family and was even great reheated the next day. We will make this over and over again!!!

[Space Cake Cook]

I've never cooked spaghetti squash before, but I saw it on TV and it looked interesting. This recipe was terrific, my mom, dad, brother, and boyfriend loved it - none of them had ever had it before either. I used a whole green bell pepper and added mushrooms as well. I think next time I'll add even more veggies, red peppers and whatnot. Super yummy, wouldn't change a thing. :D

[Montana Heart Song]

I will have to try this, this is how I always cook spaghetti squash, in fact I have a picture of it in "my recipes" Now I will have to fill the shells. Thanks for posting!