Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash – Detoxinista

Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a wholesome dinner concept that’s loaded with taste. That includes black beans and diced tomatoes, it’s simple to assemble, and is a scrumptious various to different spaghetti squash recipes.

Why You’ll Love It
It tastes superb. Spaghetti squash can style a little bit bland by itself, however whenever you add in spices like cumin, garlic, and salt, it turns into a dish you’ll crave.
It’s simple to customise. This recipe is vegetarian as written, however you may simply add additional protein to make it extra filling. Attempt including in leftover rotisserie hen, or cooked turkey or pork, when it’s time to stir within the different components. When you want a dairy-free recipe, merely skip the cheese on prime, or use your favourite vegan various, like my Vegan Nacho Cheese sauce.
It’s nourishing. Spaghetti squash is a good supply of antioxidants, and whenever you add within the black beans, you’ll get additional fiber and plant-based protein in every chew.
It makes use of pantry staples. When you hold canned beans and diced tomatoes in your pantry, this recipe is simple to throw collectively on a busy weeknight. You could possibly additionally swap these components for marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, or Parmesan cheese, and add in a little bit Italian sausage for those who like, for extra of an Italian-style meal, with out the pasta.
Elements You’ll Want

When purchasing for spaghetti squash, search for one which has a vibrant yellow shell, moderately than a pale one that may not be absolutely ripe but.
If you wish to add additional veggies to this dish, you may as well saute an onion and bell pepper in a little bit olive oil in a big skillet, when you watch for the spaghetti squash to roast within the oven. It will give it extra of a fajita-like flare!
Tips on how to Make Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
1. Prepare dinner the squash.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and use a pointy knife to chop the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Will probably be the best to start out the knife within the middle of the squash, the place it’s essentially the most hole, then fastidiously work your solution to the ends of the squash, the place it will likely be extra dense to chop.
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, then drizzle a little bit olive oil into every half and rub it across the edges. Organize the squash halves cut-side-down on a rimmed baking sheet, then bake it within the preheated oven till it’s tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
You’ll be able to check the squash for tenderness by piercing the outer shell with a fork. It ought to simply slide out and in of the shell when it’s tender. Alternatively, you should use an oven mitt to squeeze the outer shell. When it offers simply underneath strain, you’ll comprehend it’s prepared to make use of.

2. Add the fillings.
When the squash is finished roasting, set the pan apart to chill briefly. In a big bowl, mix the drained tomatoes, black beans, cumin, garlic powder, and inexperienced onions.
Use an oven mitt to deal with the recent spaghetti squash, and use a fork to scrape the squash strands into the bowl from every half. Season with salt, after which stir properly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

3. Bake.
Scoop the combination again into the 2 squash shells, dividing the filling evenly. Organize the spaghetti squash boats (filling facet up) on the rimmed baking sheet, and sprinkle the tops with the shredded cheese.
Bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes, or till the cheese is bubbly and the filling is piping sizzling.

4. Take pleasure in!
Take away the pan from the oven and let the squash cool briefly earlier than serving. You’ll be able to garnish it with any toppings you want, comparable to additional inexperienced onions or cilantro, or add a dollop of bitter cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole on prime.
Leftovers could be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.

Steadily Requested Questions
Cooking the squash with the cut-side going through down prevents it from drying out, but additionally permits extra moisture to empty from the squash with out pooling the center. You’ll flip the squash later to prepare dinner cut-side up when you add the fillings, to make particular person serving bowls. (They’re fairly beneficiant parts, although!)
Examine for brown or smooth spots within the outer shell. A great squash could have a darkish yellow coloration with none smooth spots or indicators of mildew, and it ought to really feel heavy for its measurement.
This squash has a comparatively delicate taste, so it’ll mix in to any sauce and seasonings you utilize. It might lean a little bit on the candy facet, so be sure you use loads of salt to steadiness that out. You too can add a splash of pink pepper flakes to the combo, for those who’d like a little bit extra of a spicy kick.
Sure, spaghetti squash is of course gluten-free and makes an ideal various to spaghetti and different pasta varieties.

Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
This flavorful Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is loaded with black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices for a wholesome weeknight dinner you may crave!
Servings: to three
Elements
- 1 (3 pound) spaghetti squash
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with inexperienced chilies , drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans , drained & rinsed
- 1 teaspoon floor cumin , minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 inexperienced onions , chopped
- 1 teaspoon floor cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons positive sea salt , or to style
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (non-obligatory)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Rigorously reduce the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds within the middle. Place the squash cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake within the oven till the shell is definitely pierced with a fork, about 45 to 60 minutes. A brown spot ought to develop on the skin of the pores and skin because it cooks.
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When the squash is finished cooking, take away the pan from the oven and let it cool briefly. In a big bowl, mix the drained tomatoes, black beans, cumin, garlic powder, and inexperienced onions. Use an oven mitt to deal with the recent spaghetti squash, and use a fork to scrape the squash strands into the bowl from every half. Season with the salt, after which stir properly, to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Scoop the combination again into the 2 squash shells, dividing the filling evenly. Organize the spaghetti squash boats (filling facet up) on the rimmed baking sheet, and sprinkle the tops with the shredded cheese. Bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes, or till the cheese is bubbly and the filling is piping sizzling.
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Serve heat, with any further toppings you’re keen on, comparable to diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or additional inexperienced onions. Leftovers could be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
Notes
Replace Word: This recipe was up to date in April 2023 to be simpler and extra flavorful. When you desire the unique, yow will discover that right here.
Vitamin
Energy: 325kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 15g, Fats: 13g, Saturated Fats: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g, Monounsaturated Fats: 3g, Ldl cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 2118mg, Potassium: 1020mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 1249IU, Vitamin C: 32mg, Calcium: 416mg, Iron: 5mg
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