Zesty Southwest Spaghetti Squash Bake
This Zesty Southwest Spaghetti Squash Bake is a delicious, low-carb vegetarian dish packed with flavor and nutrients. The natural sweetness of roasted spaghetti squash pairs beautifully with spiced black beans and vibrant Mexican-style tomatoes, all topped off with creamy Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and healthy, this recipe offers an exciting twist on traditional pasta dishes while being easy to prepare. Serve it as a main course or as a delightful side at your next gathering, and let the flavors dance on your palate!
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (halved and seeds removed)
Mexican-style tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (undrained)
black beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup (divided)
cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, discarding them.
3
Grease a baking pan and place the squash cut side down in the pan.
4
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5
Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before using a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Transfer these strands to a large mixing bowl.
6
Add the undrained Mexican-style tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, garlic salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
7
Spray a 1.5-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and spoon the spaghetti squash mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the mixture.
9
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
10
Serve the Zesty Southwest Spaghetti Squash Bake immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwest Spaghetti Squash Bake?
It is a low-carb, nutrient-dense vegetarian dish featuring roasted spaghetti squash, spiced black beans, and Mexican-style tomatoes topped with Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is a vegetarian dish.
Is this dish considered low-carb?
Yes, the recipe uses spaghetti squash as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How much protein is in this squash bake?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This dish provides 10g of fiber per serving.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for roasting?
Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before placing it cut side down in a greased pan.
How long does it take to roast the squash?
The squash needs to bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the flesh is tender.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is cooked?
The squash is ready when the flesh can be easily shredded into strands with a fork.
What ingredients are mixed with the squash strands?
The strands are mixed with Mexican-style tomatoes, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, cumin, garlic salt, and pepper.
Do I need to drain the Mexican-style tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained to keep the moisture in the bake.
How should the black beans be prepared?
The black beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the mixture.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Monterey Jack cheese is used for its creamy texture and flavor.
How much cheese is added to the squash mixture?
You mix 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese directly into the squash mixture.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The remaining 1/4 cup of cheese is sprinkled on top before the final bake.
What spices give the dish its Southwest flavor?
The flavor comes from ground cumin, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Is fresh cilantro required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro for the best flavor.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 1.5-quart casserole dish is recommended.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, spray the dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How long does the final casserole bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, bake the casserole uncovered so the cheese can become bubbly and golden.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the mixture is heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly.
Can I garnish the dish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be a main course but also works as a side dish.
What should I do with the squash seeds?
The seeds should be scooped out and discarded before the squash is roasted.
How do I extract the 'spaghetti' from the squash?
After roasting and cooling slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutrient-packed dish that provides a balance of protein and fiber.