I am a BIG fan of spaghetti squash! I love the stringy vegetable. However, other than baking it and serving it as a side dish or with spaghetti sauce and meatballs or chicken Parmesan I was at a loss of what to do with it…. Then I thought Burrito Bowls!!!!
You have to clean and bake the squash first. Cutting it in half before baking is the biggest challenge. I found that rocking the knife while cutting seems to help. Be careful!
Rub the edges with a high heat oil. I use organic safflower oil. Turn them face down and let them bake!
While the squash is baking, get the fillings ready. Saute the onions and peppers, add the seasonings and set up the rest of the ingredients in bowls for easy filling.
When the squash is done baking, scoop out the inside, shred it, and set it aside to be put back in later.
Then layer the bowls with you choice of ingredients and shredded squash. I begin with the pepper and onion mixture, beans, corn, salsa, cilantro and spaghetti squash. I pack it down and repeat the layers.
Finally, top it off with cheese and shove it back in the oven to heat everything up. When the cheese is bubbly it is done! When it comes out of the oven I top it off with more salsa, fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek Yogurt (do not tell my husband – he thought it was sour cream!).
Have fun with this dish and experiment with ingredients.
1 small or 1/2 large red bell pepper cored and sliced
1/2 large red onion or sweet onion, sliced
2 cups corn kernels
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 (4ounce) can mild diced green chilli's
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt & pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar/Monterrey jack cheese
2 Tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with foil.
Wash the spaghetti squash and then slice off the stem at the top.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scrap out the seeds
Rub a little bit of high heat oil on the inner edges of the squash
Place each squash face down on the baking sheet.
Roast the squash in the oven for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size.
The squash is done when you can easily scrape the inside
While the squash is roasting, prepare your fillings
Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the red onion for a few minutes and then add the peppers and canned green chilies.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and chili powder
Cook to desired softness (6-10 minutes).
When the squash is done cooking, allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling.
Turn the oven to broil.
Turn the squash over and scrape about 3/4 of the inside out onto a dish, setting it aside.
Layer the filling inside (1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 cup corn, 1/2 cup peppers and onion, 1 tablespoon salsa and 1 tablespoon cilantro).
Top with 1/2 cup spaghetti squash and press down then the layers.
Repeat the layers.
Sprinkle green onion and shredded cheese on top.
Broil in the oven for about 5 minutes so that the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, and 1-2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
(If you have extra spaghetti squash save it for another meal)
On the Portion Fix food plan your container counts would be: 2 greens, 1 yellow, 1 blue . They may vary depending on your toppings.
By Donna Englestad
Coastal Girl Food n' Fitness http://coastalgirlfoodnfitness.com/
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Hi! This is Donna. I am a grandmother, mom, wife, and a teacher. I also love cookbooks, love to bake and really enjoy food! At age 56 I have developed a love of fitness after losing 46 pounds on the 21 Day Fix! I have always struggled with my weight! When menopause struck and things got totally out of control... My weight only went up not down. My muffin top turned into a bakery shelf. I desperately wanted to lose weight and improve my health. I wanted to be able to play and keep up with my beautiful grandchildren. Nothing I tried worked until I found the 21 Day Fix. Now instead of a tight size 16 I wear a comfortable 8 and even some 6's! At age 56 I am in the best shape of my life. My current goals are to improve my strength and to continue toning my body. I along with my daughter, Danielle, am here to help you reach your own fitness goals! You are never too young or old to become fitter, healthier, and stronger!
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