Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Step 1

Cook the spaghetti squash. Let it cool enough to handle. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

ROASTEDRoasting spaghetti squash is my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash, acorn squash and butternut squash because it brings out a natural sweetness from the fruit (crazy it is a fruit, right?!). To roast, preheat the oven 400 degrees F. Slice the squash in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon and toss in a bit of olive oil then place on a large baking sheet face down. Pour a dash of water on the baking sheet. Roast for 35-45 minutes until it is soft when poked with a fork. Let the spaghetti squash cool slightly before handling and flip over and with a fork “fluff” and scrape gently out the noodles.MICROWAVEPlace the spaghetti squash on a microwaveable dish whole (poked first with a knife for air) or as halves and cook on high for 9-12 minutes (for halves) and about 12-15 minutes (for a whole squash) until the large center is soft when poked with a knife. Remove and let it cool slightly until it is able to be handled then cut the squash in half (if it is not already) and remove the seeds with a spoon. With a fork “fluff” and scrape (gently) out the noodles.SLOW COOKERPlace the spaghetti squash whole in the slow cooker with about 1-2 inches of water. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Remove and slice in half then gently remove the seeds. Using a fork “fluff” the edges scraping down to break up the noodles.GRILLING TIPS AND TIMEHeat the grill on medium-high. Slice the spaghetti squash in half and toss in a bit of olive oil. Wrap it in foil and heat for about 35-45 minutes (or until soft) continuously flipping to prevent burning.

Step 3

Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Using a spoon, scrape out the “noodles” into a casserole dish. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 4

Cook the ground turkey meat. In a large saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and ground turkey meat. Chop it up with a wooden spatula into fine pieces. Cook until heated through, about 10 minutes, and while cooking continue to chop it and mix it.

Step 5

Slightly before the meat is cooked through, melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pan with the meat and add the garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and onion. Cook until soft (5 minutes). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 6

Top the spaghetti squash noodles that are in the casserole dish evenly with 1 cup cheese.

Step 7

Top with cooked onion and ground turkey mixture evenly on top of the cheese.

Step 8

Pour milk on top evenly then mix together gently with a fork to coat.

Step 9

Top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Step 10

Put in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until bubbly and the top is browned slightly.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley. Serve right away.