Spaghetti Squash with Ground Turkey: A Healthy and Delicious Meal

Ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional spaghetti. It’s made with lean ground turkey, spaghetti squash, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it’s also a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables.

Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that is low in calories and carbs, but high in fiber. It’s a great way to add healthy carbohydrates to your diet. Ground turkey is also a lean protein source that is high in vitamins and minerals. When combined with a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is a complete and balanced meal.

This recipe is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. It’s also very versatile, so you can easily customize it to your liking. For example, you can add different vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers. You can also use different types of tomato sauce, such as marinara sauce or pesto sauce.

Ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a special occasion.

Ground Turkey with Spaghetti Squash

| Ingredient | Quantity | Unit |
|—|—|—|
| Ground turkey | 1 pound | lb |
| Spaghetti squash | 1 large | squash |
| Onion | 1 | medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | cloves |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | tbsp |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | tsp |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | cup |
| Chopped fresh basil | 1/4 cup | cup |

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
3. While the squash is baking, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the spaghetti squash to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil.
8. Serve immediately.

Ingredients

* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 pound spaghetti squash, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, stirring to break up the meat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Stir in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
7. In a large bowl, toss the spaghetti squash with the Parmesan cheese. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and browned.
9. Serve the spaghetti squash topped with the turkey and vegetable mixture.

Tips

To make the cooking process easier, you can cook the spaghetti squash ahead of time. Simply cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, shred the flesh with a fork.

If you don’t have any fresh cilantro on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon dried cilantro instead.

If you don’t have any Parmesan cheese, you can omit it or use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.

Ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or for a potluck or other gathering. So next time you’re looking for a new and flavorful meal, give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1 pound spaghetti squash, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, stirring to break up the meat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Stir in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and sour cream.
7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
8. Arrange the spaghetti squash pieces on a baking sheet.
9. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
10. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
11. Serve the spaghetti squash topped with the turkey mixture.

Tips

To make this dish ahead of time, cook the turkey mixture and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the turkey mixture and toss it with the roasted spaghetti squash.
If you don’t have any spaghetti squash on hand, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions and then toss it with the turkey mixture.
This dish is also great for meal prep. Simply cook the turkey mixture and store it in the refrigerator in individual containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the turkey mixture and serve it over your favorite type of pasta.

Variations

Add some chopped red bell pepper or green bell pepper to the turkey mixture for extra color and flavor.
Use a different type of bean, such as pinto beans or kidney beans.
Add some chopped fresh vegetables, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini.
Top the dish with some chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Serve the dish with a side of your favorite salad or bread.

Ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, can be customized to your liking, and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Spaghetti Squash With Ground Turkey?

Answer: Spaghetti squash paired with ground turkey offers a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Spaghetti squash is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and B6, and antioxidants. Ground turkey is a lean source of protein and provides essential amino acids with less saturated fat than red meat. This combination supports weight management, muscle maintenance, and overall health.

2. Can Spaghetti Squash And Ground Turkey Be Considered A Low-Carb Meal?

Answer: Yes, spaghetti squash and ground turkey can be considered a low-carb meal. Spaghetti squash contains significantly fewer carbohydrates than traditional pasta, with only about 10 grams of carbs per cup. When paired with ground turkey, which has no carbs, the dish provides a satisfying meal for those following a low-carbohydrate diet.

3. How Do You Properly Cook Spaghetti Squash For The Best Texture?

Answer: To achieve the best texture for spaghetti squash, it should be cooked until it’s tender but still holds a bit of firmness, to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and bake it cut-side down in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-45 minutes. Once cooked, use a fork to gently scrape out the strands to create a spaghetti-like texture.

4. What Is The Best Way To Season Ground Turkey For This Dish?

Answer: The best way to season ground turkey for this dish is to use a blend of spices that complement the mild flavor of the squash. Traditional Italian seasonings such as garlic, onion, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes work well. For added flavor, you can also incorporate fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of olive oil or lemon juice after cooking.

5. Can This Meal Be Prepared In Advance And Stored For Later Use?

Answer: Yes, this meal can easily be prepared in advance and is great for meal prep. Both the cooked spaghetti squash and seasoned ground turkey can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Final Word

Ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover turkey. This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a filling and nutritious option.

The spaghetti squash noodles are a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and the ground turkey is a lean and healthy protein source.

This dish is also very versatile, and you can easily add your own favorite vegetables or herbs. To make this dish even healthier, you can swap out the olive oil for avocado oil or another healthy oil.

You can also use low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular chicken broth. Overall, ground turkey with spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.