Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender spaghetti squash with savory ground turkey and vibrant Mexican-inspired ingredients. It’s a comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs spaghetti squash
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 bell peppers
• 11.5 oz canned corn
• 18 oz canned black beans
• 4.3 oz canned green chiles
• 18 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 10 oz canned enchilada sauce
• 2 cups cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti squash until tender by roasting or microwaving, then shred it into noodle-like strands using a fork.
3. Step 3: In a nonstick skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Allow it to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the shredded spaghetti squash, cooked turkey, chopped bell peppers, drained corn and black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes with their juices, enchilada sauce, and spices to taste (chili powder, cumin, and salt). Mix well.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and sprinkle the top evenly with the cheese.
6. Step 6: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the bell peppers with onions and garlic before mixing them in.
• Use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey for a different protein option.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
• Try topping with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is spaghetti squash a good substitute for pasta?

Absolutely! Spaghetti squash makes a nutritious, lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta with a similar texture when cooked and shredded.

Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

This Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring tender spaghetti squash melded with seasoned ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, corn, black beans, and a zesty enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional casseroles, perfect for a hearty family meal.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Produce

• 2 lbs spaghetti squash
• 2 bell peppers, chopped

Protein

• 1 lb ground turkey

Canned Goods

• 11.5 oz canned corn, drained
• 18 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4.3 oz canned green chiles
• 18 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
• 10 oz canned enchilada sauce

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack)

Spices and Others

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Spaghetti Squash: Cook the spaghetti squash until tender by baking or boiling, then shred the flesh into noodle-like strands using a fork.
3. Cook Ground Turkey: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it is fully browned and cooked through. Allow it to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded spaghetti squash, cooked ground turkey, chopped bell peppers, drained corn, rinsed black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes with their juices, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed.
5. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.

Notes

• You can prepare the spaghetti squash by roasting it cut-side down on a baking sheet or microwaving it for quick cooking.
• The choice of cheese can be adjusted according to preference; Monterey Jack will add a mild, creamy flavor, while mozzarella will provide a stretchy texture.
• Adjust the chili powder and cumin quantities to match your preferred spice level.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: spaghetti squash casserole, Mexican casserole, ground turkey casserole, healthy casserole, baked casserole, low-carb casserole