Healthy Mexican Meal – great for any night of the week!
I love all things taco!
Tacos, taco bowls, burritos, chips and salsa, enchiladas… all so, so yummy! Many of the taco Tuesday type dishes are packed with a lot of flavor…and a lot of calories. This healthy turkey taco bake is good and good for you too! Simple to make – especially if you prepare the spaghetti squash like I do — in the microwave!
You can modify this recipe for the amount you want to prepare! This full recipe makes about 6-8 servings!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (approx. 5 lbs.)
- 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil, divided use
- 4 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning Blend (see recipe below), divided use
- 2 lbs. raw 93% lean ground turkey breast
- ⅔ cup water
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomato with chilies (like RoTel)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp. sliced black olives (approx. 40 olives)
- 2 Tbsp. pickled jalapeños, sliced (approx. 10 slices) (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Greek Yogurt (optional)
My Taco Seasoning Blend
- 2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1½ tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- ¾ tsp. garlic powder
- ¾ tsp. ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Cut squash in half lengthwise, scrape out and discard seeds. Brush with 2 tsp. oil and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning. Place squash halves (cut side down) in a glass dish with about 1/4 inch of water. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
- While squash is cooking, heat remaining 2 tsp. oil in a medium skillet, over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until brown. Drain any excess fat from skillet.
- Add water and remaining 3 Tbsp. taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until mixture thickens.
- Once squash has finished cooking, use a fork to scrape flesh out of shell. Be careful – it’s hot! (The flesh will resemble thin spaghetti noodles.)
- Place the squash noodles in 3-quart casserole dish (or large pie pan), lightly coated with spray.
- Top squash with turkey mixture, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and jalapeños (if desired).
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is hot.
- Top with green onions and greek yogurt