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Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce

Roasted spaghetti squash strands tossed with a hearty ground turkey and tomato meat sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. A satisfying grain-free swap that the whole family will love.

60 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetop and OvenPaleoHigh ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeded
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 1 large halved lengthwise, seeded spaghetti squash cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with half the 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Flip cut-side down and roast 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.

  3. 3

    Add 1 lb lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 2 cans crushed tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and remaining salt. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Remove spaghetti squash from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into noodle-like strands.

  6. 6

    Divide spaghetti squash strands among bowls, top with meat sauce, and garnish with 2 tbsp torn fresh basil leaves.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce at?

For Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce, the oven is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 40 minutes, in step 1. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until no pink remains and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). A reading of 165 F on a thermometer settles it.

Do I need any special equipment for Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a probe thermometer (step 3) and a sheet pan (step 1).

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce?

The entry for Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce calls for 2 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use ground beef or pork instead of ground turkey in Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce?

Yes, at the same weight. Beef and pork carry more fat, so skip any oil the recipe adds for browning and drain the pan if it pools. As written, the entry for Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce uses 1 lb lean ground turkey.

How hot is Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce?

Moderately. The heat in Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce comes from 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Is Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the Italian seasoning.

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