Name: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Taco Bowls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 -4 pound spaghetti squash; 2 tablespoon olive oil; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound ground beef; 1½ tablespoon taco seasoning (see above for homemade version); 1 red pepper (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves of garlic; 1½ teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoons cumin; 1 28oz can diced tomatoes (or 3½ cups diced tomatoes); 1 19oz can black beans (or 2¾cups drained and rinsed); 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 2 tablespoons minced cilantro; 1 cup shredded cheese

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This stuffed spaghetti squash taco bowl is packed full of ground beef, vegetables, delicious spices, and herbs and topped with cheese. Super simple to throw together and 100% family approved. This dish is comfort food taken to the next level, you might have heard of spaghetti squash, but I bet not many of you have tried it home. If you are a vegetable-lover, this dish will be right up your ally with wonderful aroma of spices and packed full of veggies.

Full of spice and packed full of veggies spaghetti squash taco bowls

What is spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is a medium-sized squash that typically harvested around early fall but can be found in the grocery store almost year-round.

When cooked the inside of the squash is easily scraped out into long skinny strands that are reminiscent of angel hair pasta, now doesn’t that sound worth it!

Different ways to prepare spaghetti squash

If you are looking for a way to make stringy noodles from squash, there are several ways to do so. Here are a few to name:

You can cut the squash in half and bake it in the oven.
You can also bake it in the microwave.
Some people like to steam it by placing it in oven water.

How to make Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls?

Let’s go over step by step just what to do with your spaghetti squash, don’t get me wrong it isn’t hard but you might want follow along in order to get that perfect portion of Baked Spaghetti Squash. This is how you can turn a simple squash into spaghetti!

Step 1: Slice it lengthwise in half, starting from stem all the way to the base.

Step 2: Next, you need to clean the squash from inside by removing the seeds along with the membranes. Use a spoon to remove the seeds. However, make sure you do that gently, or you will damage the flesh.

Step 3: Oil the insides (I like olive oil) and sprinkle some salt and pepper. Place the halved squash on the baking tray in such a way that the cut side faces downwards on the baking tray. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 400-degree F for about 50 minutes or until the flesh is tender.

Step 4: Once done, remove the tray from the oven and set it aside so that it is cool enough for you to handle it. It might take 30 minutes for the squash to cool down.

You will want to use a fork and start to pull the squash lengthwise. As you do that, you will see the flesh comes up just like spaghetti. Continue to do so until almost all flesh is gone. Keep the shells for later as we will be using them for a bowl.

Stuffed spaghetti squash taco bowl Ingredients

Here is a breakdown of every ingredient that goes into the stuffed spaghetti squash bowl:

Bell pepper and onions: Whether it’s color or texture or flavor, these two are a great addition. It is one of my favorite vegetables. For this dish, I have used green bell pepper but any will do!
Beans: Nothing can go wrong with adding beans to a dish. They not only add healthy benefits to the dish but also add flavor and texture. I have used black beans for this dish, but you can use pinto beans or chickpeas as well.
Corn: Corn kernels are simply delicious. I use it not only for the color but for the simple fact. They make the dish more flavorful.
Spices: Here is the point where you reveal the secret. We are heading towards Mexican flavors here. I have used chili powder, cumin powder, Cayenne pepper, and cilantro. Go check out the recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
Ground Beef: Just the right amount of flavor from this meat, perfect Mexican companion. Not a fan of red meat no worries substitute for chicken.

Let’s get stuffing those bowls

Once the spaghetti squash is in the oven it’s time to start putting together the filling.

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat add ground beef and break up with a spatula.
Add taco seasoning and cook until browned and remove ground beef to a plate, leave grease for the vegetables and set the skillet back on the heat.

Cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning until browned.

Add in bell pepper, onions. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add in the garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and tomatoes. Cook until the tomato juice has cooked off and the mixture is thick, should be 5 minutes or so.

Add in the black beans, corn kernels, and cilantro. Stir to combine and remove from the heat.
Add vegetables to ground beef and stir.

It is very versatile. So, you don’t have to worry about the flavor combinations. It goes perfectly well with everything. So, what are you waiting for? Try this delicious stuffed spaghetti squash bowls recipe this weekend, and enjoy the unique experience!