Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

I was inspired by a previous spaghetti squash recipe to create one with a Mexican flair. These Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls did the trick!  Make it with or without the beans -- depending on whether or not you want the added carbs.

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls



21 Day Fix - Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

Ingredients:

2 medium spaghetti squash

1 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 sweet bell peppers, finely chopped 

4 garlic cloves, crushed

14 oz. red kidney or black bean beans, drained & rinsed (optional)

1/2 tsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. diced canned chilies or jalapeños (or to taste)

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped + more for garnish

4 blue containers Colby jack or Mexican cheese, shredded & divided

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Lay skin side down on a rimmed baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 minutes, or until cooked to a touch with a fork.
3. In the meanwhile, preheat medium skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and sauté for 4 - 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add beans, chili powder, chilies/jalapeños, tomato sauce, cilantro and stir.
4. Remove vegetable mixture to a bowl.  Keep warm.  Cook ground beef or turkey until thoroughly cooked through.  Combine with vegetable mixture.
5. Remove from heat and add 1/2 of cheese. Stir again.
6. Remove baked spaghetti squash from the oven and let cool a few minutes.
7. Carefully remove spaghetti squash strands from the shell, trying to keep the shell intact.
8. Combine spaghetti squash strands with meat and vegetable mixture.
9. Fill each "boat" with 1/4 of the vegetable and meat mixture. 
10. Divide remaining cheese among the 4 "boats", and sprinkle each evenly with cheese.
11. Bake for additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro.

(21 Day Fixers: 1 serving [one "boat"] counts as 2 green, 1 red, and 1 blue. Count 1 yellow if you make these with beans.)

Enjoy!  Would love your feedback, too.

ALL THE BEST,