Description
Discover a flavorful twist on a classic with our Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole recipe. Learn how to create a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash (1 kg)
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bell pepper, pictured, I use 1/2 red and 1/2 green
- 1-16 oz (450 g) jar of salsa
- 1-15 oz (425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
- 1/8 tsp (1 ml) ground pepper
- Optional: fresh bread or tortilla chips for serving, yogurt, avocado dip, etc.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the spaghetti squash with a knife around its outer edge, place it on a plate, and microwave until it’s somewhat soft (this will take about 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave).
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and set it on a baking tray.
- Cook the squash in the oven for 30 minutes. While it’s baking, chop the bell pepper and red onion, and put them in a medium-sized bowl. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese, the drained black beans, half the salsa, and half of the chopped chives. Season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together.
- Once the squash is soft, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the remaining salsa into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Remove the seeds and stringy parts from the spaghetti squash. Scrape out the strands from one half and layer them over the salsa in the baking dish.
- Spread half of the bean and vegetable mixture over the squash strands.
- Scrape the strands from the second half of the squash and arrange them in the baking dish. Top with the rest of the bean and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and add the rest of the chives.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve the dish with fresh bread or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Thoroughly drain and rinse black beans to reduce sodium and starch before adding to the mixture.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for a lighter option.
- Customize salsa with diced tomatoes, corn, or jalapenos for added flavor.