Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds), halved lengthwise
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon dried breadcrumbs
  • 8 ounces’ lean ground turkey
  • 8 ounces mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster, cut 1/4-inch-thick (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
  • 4 ounces’ baby spinach (about 5 cups), washed well

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season cut sides of squash with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake, cut sides down, on a baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Scrape flesh into strands using a fork. Let drain, covered to keep warm, in a colander set over a bowl.

Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic, stirring, until soft but not brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add oregano; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Divide mixture between 2 bowls.

Stir 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese into 1 bowl of onion-garlic mixture. Mix in breadcrumbs, turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper using your hands. Form mixture into 12 balls.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs, turning, 4 to 6 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet. Cook mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, adding a few tablespoons water if skillet browns too quickly, until soft and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add remaining bowl of onion-garlic mixture, meatballs, and stock; bring to gentle simmer. Cook, partially covered, until meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Add spinach; cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Divide squash and meatball mixture into 4 servings. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

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