For a fresh veggie, hot flavor and fun texture recipe, try Mexican Spaghetti Squash. When cooked, it turns soft and can be pulled apart and resembles spaghetti strings.
This spaghetti squash recipe incorporates Mexican flavors like black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, lime and spices in lieu of traditional pasta.
It works great as a light lunch, an easy dinner, side dish or a meat-free meal. It’s also a simple one to alter depending on the ingredients you have at home.
Mexican Spaghetti Squash is a variety of Aciprol.
Mexican Spaghetti Squash is a vegetarian dish with cooked spaghetti squash and typical Mexican cooking spices.
As the squash is mild in flavor, it is easily complemented by spices, vegetables, beans, salsa and cheese.
You can add to a simple recipe:
- Spaghetti squash
- Black beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Fresh cilantro
- Cheese
Serve as a main course or side dish with other foods.
Mexican Spaghetti Squash Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy Mexican spaghetti squash recipe:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed) - 1 cup corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Fresh, frozen, or canned corn may be used.
When using canned beans, rinse well before using in recipe.
How to Cook Mexican Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash can be cooked in a number of different ways.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Carefully slice squash lengthwise into half pieces.
Scoop out the seeds and soft center.
Coat inside with a thin layer of olive oil.
Arrange squash on a baking sheet, cut-side down.
Roast for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.
Press skin with fork to check if ready for eating: squash is ready when it is easily pressed.
Allow to cool so it can be handled.
Scrape inside with a fork to long strands.
Microwave Method
Another option for cooking spaghetti squash is in the microwave, which requires less time.
Carefully cut the squash and take out the seeds.
Place the halves in a microwave-safe dish with a little water.
Cover loosely to microwave per directions on dish.
Cook until tender.
The cooking time is dependent on the size and power of your microwave – so check it regularly.
There are several ways to prepare spaghetti squash.
After your squash is cooked, the rest of the recipe is easy!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper.
Cook until they start to soften.
Add garlic and cook for ~30 seconds.
Take care not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Corn
Stir in black beans and corn.
Stir everything together.
Cook for several minutes to make warm.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Salsa
Stir in diced and salsa.
Stir well.
Allow to cook thoroughly for several minutes to be sure that flavors meld.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper.
Taste and add spices as necessary.
If you like spicy food, you can add a small amount of jalapeño or hot sauce.
Step 5: Add the Squash
Pour cooked spaghetti squash strands into skillet.
Gently mix everything together.
Stir gently – squash strands may break.
Step 6: Add Lime and Cilantro
Turn off the heat.
Stir in the cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Stir gently.
Repeat the tasting process and season with additional salt/lime/spices as necessary.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Cheese is optional but adds to richness of the dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top to melt.
Good options include:
- Monterey Jack
- Cheddar
- Mexican-style cheese blend
- Pepper Jack
For those who do not want a meal with dairy, just omit it or make sure to substitute it with an alternative that works well in the recipe.
Healthy Mexican Spaghetti Squash
This is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diets.
Spaghetti squash is a good source of fiber and nutrients, and black beans are a source of vitamins and minerals as well as protein.
Add some flavor and variety with corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions and lime.
However, “healthy” can mean different things for different people. Everything from the whole plate to the size of each portion, to the toppings you add and to your nutrition goals has an impact.
Follow recommendations from your dietitian or physician if you have a medical or dietary condition.
Vegetarian Mexican Spaghetti Squash
This recipe is easy to make vegetarian.
The primary ingredients are beans, vegetables, corn, salsa and spices.
Black beans add plant protein and provide a nice filling texture.
You may also use additional vegetables like:
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Jalapeños
- Carrots
The recipe is versatile and can be used for a meatless meal.
Chicken with Mexican Spaghetti Squash
Add cooked chicken if you wish for more protein.
Shredded chicken is particularly suited.
When adding the beans and corn, add the cooked chicken.
Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through before adding to dish. If applicable, use a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked properly.
Leftover cooked chicken is also safe to eat, if stored properly.
Vegan Mexican Spaghetti Squash
For a Mexican spaghetti squash dish, skip the dairy cheese and choose a vegan cheese, if you want some.
Look on the labels for packaged ingredients like salsa and canned beans to ensure that they can be eaten.
The lime, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, chili powder and fresh vegetables still add plenty of flavor.
Easy Mexican Spaghetti Squash Topping Ideas
This recipe is even better if topped.
Try:
- Fresh avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Jalapeño
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Just before serving, add toppings.
Tips for the Best Mexican Spaghetti Squash
Beware of overcooking the squash. Allowing very soft squash to deteriorate further will cause it to become watery.
When cooking squash, allow it to cool slightly before turning into strands.
Use a fork to gently separate the strands.
When adding the salsa, do not add too much or it can become watery.
Taste and season to your liking before serving.
Lime juice can be added fresh at the end to give a zesty flavour.
How to Store Mexican Spaghetti Squash Leftovers
Place leftover Mexican spaghetti squash in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator and use within a safe food-storage time.
If reheating, make sure it is well heated.
Can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
After refrigerating the texture may become softer but the flavor may remain good.
What to Serve With Mexican Spaghetti Squash
This dish can be served as a stand-alone or with other foods.
Serve with:
- Grilled chicken
- Black beans
- Fresh salad
- Avocado
- Corn
- Roasted vegetables
- Tortilla chips
- Guacamole
Serve the squash topped with avocado and fresh lime juice for a simple dinner.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Spaghetti Squash is a convenient and simple method to have a veggie-heavy dish with Mexican tastes.
Spaghetti squash, black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, salsa, cumin, chili and lime make a filling and flavorful combination.
Can be vegetarian, vegan, or serve with chicken for added protein, cheese and avocado.
The recipe can be customized to include your preferred vegetables and spices.
Cook the squash until it is tender, but not watery, and add generous amounts of spices, lime and cilantro at the end.
This easy Mexican spaghetti squash recipe is an easy addition to your meal plan, whether you’re creating a quick weeknight meal or a meat-free option or a delicious side dish.
