Zesty Spaghetti Squash Fiesta
Delight in the vibrant and nutritious flavors of our Zesty Spaghetti Squash Fiesta! This hearty dish combines the unique texture of roasted spaghetti squash with a savory filling made from lean ground chicken or turkey, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices. Topped with melted low-fat cheddar cheese, this recipe is not only delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it a guilt-free option for a satisfying family dinner. Share it with friends and family for an explosion of flavors and plenty of healthy goodness packed into each bite!
6
Servings
450
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (halved and seeds removed)
ground chicken or turkey
1 lb (uncooked)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
red sweet pepper
1 cup (chopped)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned)
corn kernels
1 cup (fresh or canned)
black beans
1 cup (canned, drained, and rinsed)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (dry)
cumin
1 teaspoon (dry)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
low-fat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet.
3
Roast in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once cooked, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and set aside.
5
While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken or turkey, chopped onion, chopped green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic.
6
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
7
Stir in the tomato sauce, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
8
To serve, place 1 cup of the spaghetti squash strands onto each plate. Spoon 1 cup of the prepared sauce over the squash and top each serving with 1/4 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
50
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Spaghetti Squash Fiesta?
It is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines roasted spaghetti squash with a savory filling of ground chicken or turkey, bell peppers, and zesty spices, topped with melted low-fat cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of Zesty Spaghetti Squash Fiesta?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and fat counts per serving?
Each serving contains 50 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fat.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, this recipe is described as a low-cholesterol, guilt-free option for a healthy family dinner.
What meats can be used in this recipe?
You can use one pound of lean ground chicken or ground turkey.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for roasting?
Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet.
At what temperature and for how long should the squash be roasted?
Roast the squash at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until it is tender when pierced with a fork.
How do I create the spaghetti-like strands?
Once the squash has cooled slightly after roasting, use a fork to shred the flesh into strands.
What vegetables are included in the savory filling?
The filling includes onion, green bell pepper, red sweet pepper, corn kernels, and minced garlic.
What beans are used in this fiesta dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of canned black beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
What spices provide the zesty flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends using shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need 16 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Can I use fresh or canned corn?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of fresh or canned corn kernels.
How long does it take to cook the meat and vegetable mixture?
The meat and vegetables should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned, and then simmered with the sauce and beans for an additional 5-8 minutes.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
How do I assemble each plate?
Place 1 cup of spaghetti squash strands on a plate, spoon 1 cup of the prepared sauce over it, and top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, 'easy recipe' is one of the tags associated with this dish.
Can this be a vegetarian meal?
While the main recipe uses chicken or turkey, it is tagged as having a 'vegetarian option,' likely by substituting the meat with more beans or a meat alternative.
What kind of peppers are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped red sweet pepper.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of minced garlic.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features the unique, stringy texture of roasted spaghetti squash topped with a hearty, thickened meat and bean sauce.
Is this a good option for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying family dinner that is great for sharing with friends and family.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dry chili powder.
Do I need to peel the squash?
No, you roast it in its skin and then use a fork to remove the strands from the inside.
What is the total amount of cheese needed for the whole recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese is used for the 6 servings.
How much onion is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped onion.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as 'comfort food' because it is a hearty and satisfying meal.