Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats are a wholesome, flavor-packed twist on classic burritos, swapping tortillas for tender roasted spaghetti squash. Each squash half is loaded with a savory mix of seasoned black beans, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, and melty cheese, creating a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Topped with fresh avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream, these squash boats are a fun and healthy way to enjoy bold burrito flavors.
I first made these when I wanted a lighter alternative to traditional burritos, and they quickly became a go-to meal. Roasting the spaghetti squash brought out its natural sweetness, while the burrito filling added the perfect balance of spice and heartiness. Every forkful was packed with flavor, from the cheesy goodness to the tender strands of squash that soaked up the seasoning beautifully.
What I love about Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats is how versatile they are. You can add ground turkey, shredded chicken, or keep them completely plant-based. They’re easy to make, packed with fiber and protein, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a healthier take on comfort food or just a fun new way to enjoy squash, this dish is a must-try!
Perfect for:
- Healthy weeknight dinners
- Taco Tuesdays
- Meal prep
- Low-carb and gluten-free diets
- Spaghetti squash lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats will become a new family favorite:
- Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: A perfect alternative to traditional burritos, made with nutrient-packed spaghetti squash.
- Flavor-Packed: The seasoned ground meat, black beans, and melted cheese make each bite a burst of flavor.
- Fresh and Zesty Toppings: The salsa and avocado provide a fresh contrast to the rich filling.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, like sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro, to make this dish your own.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and bake the squash when ready to serve.
- Family-Friendly: A fun and interactive meal for all ages, and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply swap the meat for seasoned tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Full of Nutrients: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, this meal keeps you full and energized.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this dish is ideal for busy nights.
- Guilt-Free Comfort Food: Satisfy your burrito cravings without the heavy carbs.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Toppings:
- Salsa
- Avocado, sliced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Lime wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Spaghetti Squash: A low-carb alternative to tortillas, full of fiber and nutrients.
- Ground Meat or Tofu: Packed with protein for a hearty filling.
- Black Beans: A great source of fiber and protein, adding texture and flavor.
- Fresh Avocado: Adds a creamy texture that balances the savory filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Squash: Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Season Squash: Drizzle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast Squash: Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, until tender.
- Shred Squash: Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the inside of the squash into spaghetti-like strands.
Prepare the Burrito Filling:
- Cook Ground Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season the Meat: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Assemble the Burrito Boats:
- Fill the Squash: Spoon the burrito filling into the roasted spaghetti squash halves.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.
- Melt Cheese: Place the filled squash boats back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Add Toppings: Top the baked boats with salsa, avocado slices, sour cream (optional), and a squeeze of lime.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats:
- For a Family Dinner: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad.
- As a Party Snack: Slice the squash boats into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the boats when ready to eat.
- With Extra Heat: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- With a Side of Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- As a Vegetarian Meal: Substitute the meat with seasoned tofu or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based option.
- For a Tex-Mex Feast: Serve with a side of guacamole and margaritas.
- With Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more cheese on top and broil for an extra melty finish.
- For a Light Lunch: Serve with a side of mixed greens or coleslaw for a lighter option.
- With a Side of Beans: Serve with a side of refried beans for extra protein and fiber.
Additional Tips
- Check Squash Tenderness: If the squash isn’t tender enough after roasting, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for some heat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the ground meat is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C).
- Shred the Squash Before Serving: For easier serving, shred the squash before adding the burrito filling.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Burrito Boats: Swap the ground beef or turkey for seasoned shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Burrito Boats: Use sautéed veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, and onions) instead of meat.
- Buffalo Chicken Burrito Boats: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- BBQ Burrito Boats: Use pulled pork and BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Beef and Sweet Potato Boats: Add roasted sweet potatoes to the meat mixture for added texture and sweetness.
- Cheese-Free: Skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Low-Carb Beef and Zucchini Boats: Use zucchini instead of spaghetti squash for a low-carb boat alternative.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the spaghetti squash halves.
- Skillet: For cooking the ground meat and mixing in the beans.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the spaghetti squash.
- Fork: To shred the spaghetti squash into strands.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other squash varieties?
Yes, acorn squash or butternut squash can be used, though they will have a slightly different texture. - Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply assemble and bake the squash when ready. - Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the burrito filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use black beans, tofu, or sautéed vegetables as the base for the filling. - What can I substitute for black beans?
You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I use pre-cooked spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti squash for quicker preparation. - How do I make the squash more tender?
Roast the squash halves cut side down to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. - Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, skip the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. - Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the ground meat in a slow cooker with the beans and seasonings.
Conclusion
Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats are a fun, flavorful, and wholesome twist on classic burritos, swapping out tortillas for tender, roasted spaghetti squash. The naturally stringy texture of the squash creates a perfect base for a hearty, burrito-inspired filling of seasoned beans, veggies, and your choice of protein. Topped with melty cheese, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of salsa or sour cream, these boats are packed with bold flavors while keeping things light and nutritious.
What makes this dish so special is its balance of comfort and health—warm, cheesy, and satisfying, yet packed with fiber and nutrients from the squash and wholesome toppings. You can easily customize them with different proteins like shredded chicken, ground beef, or tofu, and spice things up with jalapeños or a smoky chipotle sauce. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, these Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats are sure to be a hit.
I can’t wait to see how your Burrito Spaghetti Squash Boats turn out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made them your own—I’d love to hear all about your twist on this satisfying dish!