Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats are a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping the carbs low. This unique dish combines the flavors of burritos with the nourishing goodness of spaghetti squash, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy gathering with friends. With its vibrant colors and delicious toppings, these boats are sure to impress anyone at your dining table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy all the flavors of traditional burritos without the extra carbs from tortillas.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of ground beef, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a delicious filling that is hard to resist.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on your preferences for endless variations.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal preparation time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables and protein, these boats make for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats, you will need a few essential tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Fork
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for roasting the spaghetti squash, ensuring it cooks uniformly.
• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing the filling ingredients together for maximum flavor.
• Fork: Essential for shredding the cooked spaghetti squash into strands for easy filling.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash Boats

• 2 medium spaghetti squash, halved, seeds removed
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin

For the Filling

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans
• 1 1/2 c. chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1 c. corn*, canned and drained or frozen

For Toppings

• 1 c. shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro (optional)

How to Make Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drizzle the cut sides of each spaghetti squash with olive oil and season them with kosher salt, chili powder, and cumin. Place them cut side down on a large baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let them cool slightly before using a fork to break up the strands.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onion and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add ground beef to the skillet; breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no longer pink—around 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in taco seasoning and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn to the skillet; mix well until combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Fill each spaghetti squash half with the beef mixture generously. Top with shredded Monterey jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats as a nourishing meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats are a fun and healthy twist on traditional burritos. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Simple Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
• Lime Wedges – Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the filling for a zesty kick.

Accompanying Sauces

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop adds creaminess that complements the spices perfectly.
• Salsa – Serve with your favorite salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Colorful Salad

• Garden Salad – A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the boats.
• Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad with diced bell peppers and lime juice enhances the meal’s texture.

Crunchy Chips

• Tortilla Chips – Serve alongside tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
• Pita Chips – For a unique twist, offer pita chips that can scoop up leftover filling.

How to Perfect Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

Perfecting your Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats ensures a delicious meal every time. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook Squash – Roast spaghetti squash just until tender to maintain its texture.
• Customize Fillings – Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
• Layer Wisely – Layer ingredients thoughtfully in the squash boats for even distribution of flavors.
• Melt Cheese Perfectly – Broil briefly at the end for perfectly melted cheese without drying out the filling.

Best Side Dishes for Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that complement Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats.

1. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
2. Mexican Street Corn – Grilled corn topped with lime, chili powder, and cheese for a flavorful addition.
3. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, and cilantro; serve chilled to balance out warm boats.
4. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice cooked with spices makes a perfect base or side dish alongside the boats.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Cabbage Slaw – A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a crisp contrast to the soft squash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Boldly choosing the wrong squash – Selecting a spaghetti squash that is too ripe or too small can affect cooking time and texture. Always choose medium-sized squashes with a firm exterior.
• Boldly overcooking the filling – Cooking the beef for too long can lead to dryness. Monitor closely and remove it from heat as soon as it is no longer pink.
• Boldly underseasoning – Failing to season adequately can leave your dish bland. Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Boldly ignoring cheese options – Not using a combination of cheeses can limit flavor. Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack, for added spice.
• Boldly skipping the toppings – Neglecting garnishes like cilantro can reduce visual appeal and flavor. Always add fresh herbs for that extra burst of freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake covered until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats.

What is the best way to cook spaghetti squash?

Cooking spaghetti squash in the oven is ideal for achieving tender strands. Cut it in half, remove seeds, and roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe and complements the other flavors nicely.

How do I make Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, corn, and additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Can I prepare these boats ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the filling and squash ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats offer a delightful twist on traditional burritos while being lower in carbs. They’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients, making them perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!