Cheesy Turkey & Olive Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Turkey & Olive Spaghetti Squash Casserole, a healthier twist on classic lasagna! This dish features roasted spaghetti squash, layered with savory ground turkey, aromatic onions, and rich stewed tomatoes, perfectly sautéed with garlic and basil. It's topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan, making it satisfyingly cheesy without the carbs. Perfect for meal prep, this dish is freezer-friendly, but make sure to scoop leftovers into a container as the squash shells don’t hold up well long-term.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 medium (halved lengthwise & seeded)
lean ground turkey
1 lb (ground)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 tablespoons (minced)
stewed tomatoes
2 (14 ounce) cans
dried basil
1 tablespoon
vegetable bouillon cube
1
black pepper
to taste
black olives
1 (15 ounce) can (chopped)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2
Place the spaghetti squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until tender.
3
While the squash is baking, heat a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the stewed tomatoes, dried basil, vegetable bouillon cube, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
5
Once the squash is done and has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a bowl. Reserve the shell halves.
6
In each spaghetti squash shell, layer a spoonful of the turkey mixture, followed by a layer of the squash strands, then chopped black olives, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until the shell is full. Finish by topping each half with shredded parmesan cheese.
7
Return the filled squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese has melted and is golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
13g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Turkey & Olive Spaghetti Squash Casserole?
It is a healthier, low-carb twist on classic lasagna that uses roasted spaghetti squash, ground turkey, stewed tomatoes, and two types of cheese.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 13g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for both roasting the squash and the final bake.
How long does the spaghetti squash need to bake?
The squash halves should be baked cut side down for 35 minutes or until tender.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe is high in protein, offering 30g per serving.
What kind of meat is used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground turkey.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash strands?
After roasting and cooling slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands.
Should I keep the squash shells?
Yes, reserve the shells as they are used as the vessel for layering and baking the casserole.
What ingredients are in the turkey mixture?
The mixture consists of ground turkey, onion, garlic, stewed tomatoes, dried basil, a vegetable bouillon cube, and black pepper.
How long should the turkey and tomato sauce simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of chopped black olives.
How do you layer the casserole?
Layer the turkey mixture, then squash strands, followed by chopped black olives and mozzarella cheese inside the squash shells.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The casserole is topped with one cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
What is the final baking time for the assembled casserole?
Return the filled shells to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the parmesan cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is freezer-friendly, but it is recommended to store the filling in a separate container rather than the shells.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 23g of fat in each serving.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not listed, spaghetti squash and onions naturally provide dietary fiber.
What size spaghetti squash is needed?
The recipe recommends using one medium-sized spaghetti squash.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but you can substitute fresh basil if preferred (usually 3 times the amount of dried).
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe requires two 14-ounce cans of stewed tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the vegetable bouillon cube?
The bouillon cube is added to the turkey and tomato mixture to enhance the savory flavor of the sauce.
Is it necessary to drain the turkey?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the turkey to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, this is an excellent dish for meal prep as the flavors meld well over time.
What is the best way to handle the squash after baking?
Wait until the squash is cool enough to handle before scraping it with a fork to avoid burns.
Does the recipe require salt?
The bouillon cube and cheeses provide sodium, so additional salt is not specified; black pepper is added to taste.
How should the squash be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the halved and seeded squash cut side down on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.