Savory Spaghetti Squash Boats
These Savory Spaghetti Squash Boats are a delightful and nutritious one-dish meal that the whole family will love! Perfect for a healthy dinner option, this recipe is low in calories and packed with colorful vegetables. The tender spaghetti squash serves as a perfect vessel for a flavorful filling of ground turkey, peppers, onions, and a medley of spices, all topped with your choice of melted cheese. The dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers versatility, as you can easily customize the filling with different vegetables and cheese options. Kids will enjoy the fun of digging into their own 'boats' while parents appreciate the wholesome ingredients. It's a wonderful way to sneak extra veggies into your meal while satisfying your taste buds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (whole)
ground turkey or veggie burger
1 lb (browned)
garlic cloves
2-3 (crushed and diced)
large onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
bell pepper
1/2-1 (diced, any color)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
salt and pepper
to taste (seasoning)
oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Italian seasoning mix
to taste (mixture of oregano, basil, etc.)
cheddar cheese or feta
1 cup (shredded or crumbled)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully piercing the spaghetti squash along one side in a straight line. Avoid poking holes all over as you want to use the skin as a natural casserole dish.
2
Microwave the spaghetti squash on high for 8-10 minutes until it’s slightly softened. This will make it easier to scrape out the flesh later.
3
Once microwaved, carefully remove the squash and, using the pierce marks as a guide, cut it in half lengthwise to create two long 'boats.' Allow the halves to cool.
4
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or veggie alternative) and cook until browned. Then, add the garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
5
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional few minutes. Next, add the Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
6
If using a meat substitute, sauté the diced vegetables (garlic, onion, and bell peppers) in a skillet with a bit of oil until they’re tender before adding the spices and diced tomatoes.
7
While your filling is simmering, scoop out the seedy portion of the cooled spaghetti squash and discard it.
8
Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash into spaghetti-like strands, then mix these strands into the skillet with your filling. Stir well to combine.
9
Spoon the mixture back into the squash halves, piling it high. If there's any leftover filling, transfer it to a greased baking dish.
10
Place the stuffed squash boats on an oven-proof pan with edges to catch any drippings. Sprinkle your choice of cheese evenly over the tops.
11
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spaghetti Squash Boats?
Savory Spaghetti Squash Boats are a nutritious one-dish meal where a spaghetti squash shell is filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and melted cheese.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is low in calories, packed with vegetables, and uses wholesome ingredients, making it a great healthy dinner option.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include spaghetti squash, ground turkey or a veggie alternative, garlic, onion, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground turkey with a veggie burger crumble or other meat alternatives.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for cutting?
Pierce the squash along one side in a straight line and microwave it on high for 8-10 minutes to soften it.
Why should I microwave the squash before cutting?
Microwaving softens the squash, making it significantly easier and safer to cut in half lengthwise.
How do I create the spaghetti strands?
After the squash is cooked and cooled slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
What do I do with the squash seeds?
Scoop out the seedy portion of the cooled spaghetti squash and discard it before scraping the flesh.
What temperature should I bake the squash boats?
The squash boats should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F.
How long do the boats need to bake?
Bake the stuffed boats for about 45 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta cheese.
Can I use different colors of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper to add variety and nutrition to the filling.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and an Italian seasoning mix containing oregano and basil.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids typically enjoy the novelty of eating their meal out of a squash 'boat'.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How much ground turkey is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground turkey or a veggie burger equivalent.
What should I do with extra filling?
If you have leftover filling, you can transfer it to a greased baking dish and bake it alongside the squash.
What size of diced tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes for the filling mixture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe recommends using 2 to 3 crushed and diced garlic cloves.
Do I need to cook the meat before stuffing the squash?
Yes, the ground turkey or veggie alternative should be browned in a skillet with oil and vegetables before being mixed with the squash strands.
Can I customize the vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely, the recipe is versatile and allows you to add or swap different vegetables as desired.
How do I know when the squash is ready to be scraped?
The squash is ready once it has been microwaved for 8-10 minutes and has cooled enough to handle.
What is the purpose of Italian seasoning in this recipe?
It provides a savory flavor profile featuring classic herbs like oregano and basil.
Do I leave the skin on the squash?
Yes, the skin stays on to act as a natural casserole dish for the filling.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
Only 1 teaspoon of oil is needed to cook the turkey and vegetables.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen onions or peppers if needed, ensuring they are sautéed well.
Is there a specific way to pierce the squash?
Pierce it in a straight line along one side to guide your cut later, rather than poking holes randomly.
What makes this a one-dish meal?
Because the squash serves as the bowl, it combines your protein, starch (squash), and vegetables into one vessel.
Can I use a different type of squash?
This specific recipe relies on the unique 'spaghetti' texture of spaghetti squash, though other squashes could be stuffed similarly using different methods.