Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Ground Turkey and Vegetables

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 (2-pound) spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
3. Roast squash for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
4. While the squash roasts, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground turkey. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomatoes, black beans, corn, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove the squash from the oven and use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
8. Top the spaghetti squash with the ground turkey mixture.
9. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Healthy and nutritious
• Packed with flavor and vegetables
• Versatile (can be served as a main course or side dish)
• Easy to prepare
• Suitable for American taste buds

User Comments:

• "This dish is absolutely delicious! The combination of the roasted spaghetti squash and the flavorful ground turkey and vegetable filling is perfect."
• "I love that this recipe is so healthy and easy to make. It's a great way to get my vegetables in."
• "This dish is always a hit with my family and friends. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful when cutting the spaghetti squash. Use a sharp knife and cut on a stable surface.
• Don't overcook the spaghetti squash. It should be tender but not mushy.
• If you don't have diced tomatoes on hand, you can substitute a 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.