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Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats topped with cheese and garnished for a healthy meal

Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats

A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tacos, featuring roasted spaghetti squash filled with a flavorful taco mixture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the squash
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash Cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For drizzling and sautéing
For the filling
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef Your choice of protein
  • 1 small onion Diced
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans Rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or canned
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Canned or fresh
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or a Mexican blend
  • to garnish chopped cilantro
  • optional sour cream or Greek yogurt For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Carefully cut the medium spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
Cooking the Filling
  1. While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat mixture evenly with the spices.
  6. Mix in the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Remove the roasted spaghetti squash from the oven.
  2. Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh to create long, spaghetti-like strands, being careful not to tear the skin.
  3. Spoon the taco filling generously into each spaghetti squash half.
  4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of each boat.
  5. Return the stuffed squash boats to the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
  7. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. You can use other proteins, like shredded chicken or plant-based alternatives.