Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls are roasted spaghetti squash halves stuffed with a southwestern veggie filling and melty cheese! Serve with your favorite burrito toppings for a hearty vegetarian dinner for two.

Spaghetti squash half with a fork sticking out of it on a metal baking sheet.

Spaghetti squash bowls are my absolute favorite way to eat cooked spaghetti squash.

Mainly because you can stuff them with ANYTHING! See our Pizza Spaghetti Squash BoatsHummus Spaghetti Squash Bowls or these Veggie Spaghetti Squash Bowls with Peanut Sauce for proof.

Also, they’re perfect for cleaning out the fridge.

For these bowls, we sautéed up a small zucchini, a few pieces of bell pepper, and some canned corn leftover from making cornbread zucchini muffins.

To add protein and create a sauce, we also tossed in half a can of black beans and a little fire-roasted salsa.

If you’ve got a fondness for nachos (who doesn’t?) I recommend making a batch of sweet potato nachos or veggie nachos to use up any leftover bell pepper, beans, and salsa.

Two spaghetti squash boats on a metal sheet pan with two forks.

Don’t worry if the recipe seems a little overwhelming at first. It’s easier than it looks.

  • The spaghetti squash only needs a few minutes of prep. The rest of the cooking time is hands-free roasting in your toaster oven or oven.
  • You can roast the squash or make the filling on separate days. The directions are written so it’s easy to stop wherever you want.
  • And if you’re cooking for one, toss the extra stuffed squash in the fridge for a quick dinner or lunch the next day. These cheesy spaghetti squash burrito bowls reheat wonderfully!

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Cook The Spaghetti Squash

There are a lot of ways to cook a spaghetti squash. We like to use a hybrid microwave/toaster oven method.

Collage of a spaghetti squash sliced in half, seeded, roasted on a baking sheet and scrapped into strands with a fork.

Pre-cooking the squash for 5 minutes in the microwave makes it super easy to slice open and scoop out the seeds.

Then you rub both sides with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Pop it in a 425F toaster oven (or oven) and 30 to 45 minutes later you’ve got a tasty squash that’s ready to be stuffed.

Other ways to cook a spaghetti squash:

  • Microwave it until cooked through. Easy-peasy but kind of lacking in flavor.
  • Pressure cook it. We just bought a little spaghetti squash to try in the instant pot mini!
  • Got lots of time? You can even pop it in your slow cooker.
Skillet with cooked vegetables on a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Make Your Filling

This filing is so yummy. It’s great in the squash but I also like to make a big batch and eat it on top of a toaster oven frittata or scooped up with crispy baked tortilla chips.

Did I mention it comes together super quick and has a bunch of good-for-you veggies?

To make the filling, heat a little oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion (or shallots), zucchini, bell pepper, smoky cumin, and herby oregano. In about 8 to 10 minutes the veggies will be tender and starting to brown.

Skillet with cooked vegetables and salsa on a wooden spoon.

Now pour in some of your favorite salsa (we like the fire-roasted kind from Sprouts), hearty black beans, and sweet corn.

Sneak a taste to see if you’d like a little extra salt and pepper. Then hide your spoon or I promise you won’t stop coming back for more.

Scrapped spaghetti squash bowls on a silpat lined baking sheet with a fork.

Step 3: Stuff Your Spaghetti Squash Boats

Now that you’ve got you’re cooked squash and southwestern veggie filling, it’s time to combine them.

First, grab a fork and drag it along the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands. I like to leave about 1/4 to 1/2-inch of squash along the edge. It helps the bowls stay intact.

Scoop the squash into the skillet with your filling and add half the cheese (or more if you like things really cheesy). Now, overfill those spaghetti squash boats! I mean it, really pack that filling in there.

Even after generously filling your squash bowls, you might have a little left in the skillet. It’s okay, just go find that spoon you hid earlier 😉

Lastly, sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheese.

Overhead view of stuffed spaghetti squash halves topped with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake The Bowls

Now it’s time to get everything warm and melty. Toss the filled bowls on an unlined (aka no Silpat) baking sheet and pop them in a 350F preheated oven-of-choice for about 10 minutes.

If you’re like me and want your cheese browned and bubbly, switch the setting to ‘Broil’ on High for 1 to 2 minutes.

All that’s left now is the toppings!

If we’ve got guacamole or avocado on hand I add it but my favorite topping is a few dollops of Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt’s high in protein, super creamy, and has a tangy sour cream style flavor that completes the whole burrito bowl experience!

Cooked spaghetti squash bowl topped with Greek yogurt and guacamole.

More Yummy Vegetarian Dinners For Two

Overstuffed spaghetti squash topped with dollops of guacamole and Greek yogurt.

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls

Yield: 2 Bowls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

A hearty vegetarian dinner for two of roasted spaghetti squash halves stuffed with a flavorful southwestern veggie and cheese filling.

Ingredients

For The Spaghetti Squash:

  • 1 small Spaghetti Squash, about 30 ounces or 1.8 lb whole
  • 1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil
  • Salt and Black Pepper

For The Filling:

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 1 small Zucchini, diced
  • Half a Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1/4 Red Onion, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • 3/4 cup cooked Black Beans, drained and rinsed if using canned
  • 1/2 cup Corn Kernels, drained well if using canned
  • 1/2 cup Salsa
  • 2 ounces Cheese, shredded and divided

Instructions

Cook The Squash:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. If using a toaster oven select the “BAKE” setting and use the bottom rack placement. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with a silicone baking mat.
  2. Use a sharp knife to carefully stab the squash a few times on each side, then microwave 4 to 5 minutes. Watching out for steam, slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Rub each half with oil and season well with salt and black pepper. Place squash on the pan and cook until fork-tender, about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your squash.
  4. Remove squash from the oven and cool for at least 5 minutes. Then, scrape a fork along the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands (leave a little behind to keep the ‘bowl’ intact for stuffing later).

Prepare Filling:

  1. While the squash cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, zucchini, bell pepper, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables have softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Remove skillet from heat, add black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as desired.

Assembly:

  1. Add the loose spaghetti strands and half of the cheese to the skillet mixture, stir well. Load up the squash bowls with the filing and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake The Bowls:

  1. Bake uncovered at 350°F until warmed through and melty, about 10 minutes.
  2. Then Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
  3. Serve warm with your favorite burrito toppings.

Notes

You can store the assembled boats in a covered container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted about 25 minutes.

Nutritional information is an estimate of one bowl without any toppings.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Bowls Serving Size: 1 Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 390Total Fat: 17.1gSaturated Fat: 7.2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 630mgCarbohydrates: 51.4gFiber: 6.1gSugar: 5.4gProtein: 15.7g

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35 Comments

  1. This recipe is absolutely ADDICTIVE. Most of this recipe is what I used to create a variation that satisfies both Keto and Paleo needs. I omitted the cheese and corn and added more of the original ingredients and replaced the spices with three cloves of chopped fresh garlic.

    To the basic recipe, I removed the cheese ingredient and replaced it with cooked and then ground Italian sausage. I used two sausages in this recipe and bumped-up the red and green peppers to one of each. After the spaghetti squash, the star of the show was cooked, I added all the other roasted ingredients plus three chopped garlic cloves, and tossed everything together. The flavour is sensational, and we have eaten this many times over, always by special request.

    Thanks so much for creating and posting this.

    1. Wow, Rosemary, thanks for trying the recipe and taking the time to leave such a nice comment 🙂

      I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the bowls and found it easy to make them your own. Creating a meal that everyone in the family likes is quite special. It sounds like you knocked it out of the park, well done!

      Happy Cooking,
      ~ Brie

    1. Hi Sue,

      While I haven’t tried it myself, we’ve had a few commenters on Pinterest share that they’ve made the recipe using butternut squash.

      The squash halves should hold up okay for stuffing but if you find they are too tender you can scoop out the squash, mix everything together, and toss it in a baking dish to finish with the cheese on top.

  2. Looks lovely! I’m making it this weekend for sure.

    I was looking for a book or website of toaster oven vegetarian recipes for 1 or 2 servings and thought … kinda niche, but there’s usually something out there for everyone….

    And here you are!
    I love your website. Bookmarked and I’ll be back tons.
    Thanks for keeping the ads unobtrusive!

    1. Thank you, Veasy! Yeah, for all its faults the internet is pretty awesome. We’re super excited to be able to provide such a niche site and that you were able to find us.

      I hope you enjoy the recipe a bunch and thanks for taking the time to drop a note and say hi 🙂

      Happy Cooking!
      ~ Brie

    1. Yay, so glad you like the recipe! And way to go on the meal prep – there’s nothing better at the end of a long day than having a tasty and nutritious meal already waiting. You are my #mealprepgoals Pat 🙂

  3. My spouse and I absolutely love this meal! I made it in the fall and again this evening. I don’t change a thing. We love all the veggies and it feels and tastes so healthy!

    1. So excited to hear you both enjoy the bowls, Rhonda! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review – we really appreciate it.

    1. Thanks for giving the recipe a try, Nora! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I really appreciate you coming back to leave a comment to let others know 🙂

  4. Two thumbs up! My non-veggie-eating husband loved it … which is a BIG deal. Thanks and will definitely be making again!

    1. Yay, Lori! This comment makes my heart so happy 🙂 I’ve been there before with the non-veggie hubs and know what a huge win that is – well done you!!

    1. Hi Gmarie,

      There’s a printable recipe card in the post above. If you’re having trouble finding it, scroll to the top of the page and click where it says “Go To Recipe” this will take you straight to the recipe card.

      Happy Cooking!

  5. Just made this tonight and it was so delicious! Very filling too, as my squash was a little large. I was worried that it was going to taste “squashy”. Not at all, it was a wonderful mix of flavors. I used your suggestion of topping it with Greek yogurt. I also added chopped cilantro. Thanks and I’ll definitely make it again!

    1. You are so welcome, Kathy! Thank you for taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate it and am thrilled to hear you enjoyed the squash. On a side note, squashy is now my favorite word 🙂

  6. I made this for dinner tonight and it was so easy and delicious! My husband REALLY loved it! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. It will become a staple in our home now. 😁

    1. Yay! It’s awesome you both enjoyed it so much. Finding something everyone likes is such a challenge, sounds like you did a great job whipping up the recipe, Lorrie!

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Happy cooking 🙂

  7. The printable recipe didn’t say to drain the corn or when to put the corn into the mixture. I put it in with the beans. Also, it didn’t say to drain and rinse the beans which I did to give it a nice clean look. It was very good!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Judy! And thank you for the catch on the corn and the beans, I’ve updated the card to include that info 🙂

    1. Hi Maria!

      We’ve never tried freezing the leftovers but I wouldn’t recommend it. The squash and zucchini have a lot of water in them. Combined with the salsa, you might end up with a soggy dish.

  8. now THIS is the way to eat squash!! i feel like i’ve seen every kind of filling imaginable, but this is what i’d come back to time and time again. 🙂