This Spaghetti Squash and Ground Turkey recipe is a great low carb option for a weeknight dinner. It’s got an easy tomato sauce that makes the dish a vegetable filled twist on the classic.
Spaghetti Squash and Ground Turkey
I’ve been making this spaghetti squash recipe for my family for a few years and they are all big fans! There aren’t too many steps and it comes together quickly after you’ve roasted the spaghetti squash.
There’s a few ways that you can cut down on time too if you’re short on time. You can make the squash ahead of time, use frozen meatballs, and jarred sauce to really make a quick meal.
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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Whole
I find that cutting the spaghetti squash can be difficult so I like to cook the spaghetti squash whole.
You’ll want to preheat the oven and stab the squash a few times with a fork to let steam escape from the inside. I like adding some olive oil over the outside then placing it on a baking sheet to cook.
It takes about an hour to do this way, but it’s completely hands off while it’s in the oven which allows you to focus on other things during that time! It’s plenty of time to cook the turkey and make the sauce at the same time.
Once the baked spaghetti squash is fork tender, you’ll cut it and scrape out the seeds to serve!
How do you cut spaghetti squash for long strands?
Cutting the squash is much easier once it’s cooked through! If you’re looking for longer strands, you’ll want to cut across the thickest part of the middle rather than from end to end.
You’ll be able to take the seeds out then scrape with a spoon or fork to pull out the longer strands of squash.
Do I need to use spaghetti squash?
You don’t need to! I find that it’s just a great gluten free and low carb option to make a pasta-like dish a little more guilt free.
Do I need to use ground turkey?
You don’t have to, but using lean ground turkey helps lower the overall amount of saturated fat in the dish if that’s a concern for you!
Ground beef or meatballs are also a quick option if you have those on hand instead.
Can I use premade tomato sauce?
Of course! You’ll just want to add the sauce to the pan after the turkey is done and let it warm through. It’ll be ready to serve in just a few minutes after that!
If you’ve got extra marinara you’re looking to use up, try out this Penne Pasta Bake!
Feeling pasta instead? Try one of these recipes:
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo
- Sausage Caprese Stuffed Shells
- Easy Seafood Pasta with White Wine Butter Sauce
- Baked Chicken Caprese
Spaghetti Squash and Ground Turkey
This Spaghetti Squash and Ground Turkey recipe is a great low carb option for a weeknight dinner. It's got an easy tomato sauce that makes the dish a vegetable filled twist on the classic.
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, about 1 lb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
For Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Carefully stab spaghetti squash with a fork multiple times and rub entire squash with olive oil. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for one hour or until fork tender.
- Cut in half and remove seeds. Scrape squash strands out and set aside.
For Ground Turkey and Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground turkey until no longer pink, about 10-12 minutes. Add in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir until combined. Simmer for 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve on top of spaghetti squash or mix in squash to skillet.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 385Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1243mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 31g
Nutrition provided is only an estimate.
