Oven roasted spaghetti squash tossed with an Italian bolognese sauce made with ground turkey, mushrooms, garlic and oregano is a deliciously, easy, healthy dinner alternative.
I'm so glad I finally jumped on the spaghetti squash bandwagon. I didn't know what I was missing all of these years! I've already made one with Italian sausage and a meatless version.
This time I wanted to make a simple, weeknight meal that was a little healthier than the other two recipes I created. I decided on making just a basic meat sauce and came up with this Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash.
What is Bolognese Sauce?
Bolognese sauce is a meat-based sauce in Italian cooking that originated in Bologna, Italy. It's similar to a ragú; however, whenever my family called something "bolognese", it usually meant ground meat was used.
Whereas in a typical ragú style sauce, whole pieces of meat were often found like braciole, meatballs and sausage links.
What do you need to make Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash?
For this recipe you'll need spaghetti squash, EVOO, extra lean ground turkey, garlic, sliced mushrooms, oregano, basil and marinara sauce. I always make a big pot of sauce; then separate into smaller containers to keep in the freezer, but your favorite jar sauce will work too.
What's the best way to cook spaghetti squash?
Frankly, I don't think there is one best way to cook spaghetti squash; however, there are two ways and my preferred method is using the oven.
- Oven Method
- Microwave Method
I've tried using the microwave years ago and you just don't get that caramel color you get from roasting; which adds another layer of flavor.
With both methods, you must first cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise; then scoop out the seeds. First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, place the squash flesh side down on a baking sheet; then roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes.
Cooking times may vary depending on how large your squash is. The squash is done when tender and you can easily pierce a fork through the flesh all the way to the peel. The flesh will also separate easily into spaghetti-like strands.
The second method is to cook the squash in the microwave. Once the squash is cut in half and you’ve scooped out the seeds, place it upside down in a baking dish, fill it with about an inch of water, and microwave until soft.
This usually takes about five to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the squash and your microwave.
How do you get spaghetti squash out of the shell?
After the squash is cooked, you can make the Turkey Bolognese immediately or refrigerate the squash overnight to assemble when you're ready to serve.
To get the squash out of the shell, take a regular dinner fork and gently scrape down the sides of the squash. It will form spaghetti-like strands.
How do you make Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash?
Now that your squash is cooked, it's time to make the sauce. Start by heating the oil in a nonstick skillet; then add the ground turkey and brown. Next, add chopped garlic, sliced mushrooms, oregano and basil and saute for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
Add the marinara sauce and spaghetti squash and mix well until all of the squash has been coated by the turkey bolognese. Serve hot with a little grated cheese and dinner is served!
This Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash was so easy to make and my family really enjoyed it just as much as I did. It's also gluten free, low carb, and low fat dinner option. ~Enjoy!
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Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 lb. Extra Lean Ground Turkey (99/1)
- 1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
- 8 oz. Sliced Mushrooms
- 1 ½ tsp. Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Basil, chopped
- 2 c. Prepared Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, place the squash flesh side down on a baking sheet; then roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes.(Cooking times may vary depending on how large your squash is. The squash is done when tender and you can easily pierce a fork through the flesh all the way to the peel. The flesh will also separate easily into spaghetti-like strands.)
- While the squash is in the oven, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet; then add the ground turkey and brown.
- Next, add chopped garlic, sliced mushrooms, oregano and basil and saute for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
- Add the marinara sauce and spaghetti squash and mix well until all of the squash has been coated by the turkey bolognese.
Notes
Nutrition
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